Daniel Menard and Stephanie Menard were reported missing on August 24. The couple lived at a nudist ranch in San Bernadino County, California.
Couple was last seen leaving the house at a nudist ranch
The search continues for Stephanie and Daniel Menard, who were last seen leaving their Southern California home, which also serves as a nudist ranch.
Fox – LA
A California couple is making headlines after disappearing from a nudist ranch last weekend.
In the wake of their days-long search, police on Friday announced the arrest of a 62-year-old man, Michael Royce Sparks. He was charged and indicted on murder charges in connection with the disappearance of 79-year-old Daniel Menard – who suffers from diabetes and dementia – and 73-year-old Stephanie Menard, according to Redlands police.
The couple was last seen leaving their property at Olive Dell Ranch, a family-friendly nudist resort in Colton, a city in San Bernadino County.
A friend reported the couple missing around 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 24. During their investigation, police learned that their dog, a white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, had also gone missing.
The Menards' unlocked car was found down the street from their home. Their cell phones and Stephanie's purse were also found there.
“There's no way Stephanie or Dan could have left the car,” Tammie Wilkerson, a friend of the couple, told KABC. “She has a cane. It was at home, her purse, her cell phones – things they would never have left at home.”
Missing persons: Body found in Hilton Head, South Carolina – presumably the missing man from Massachusetts
Redlands police report suspicion of foul play
Unable to reach Sparks, who was initially considered a suspect, police entered his home on Thursday evening and conducted “a search using remote video equipment.”
Footage obtained by KABC shows authorities conducting a search of the neighborhood and an armored vehicle with a battering ram driving through Sparks' home. The suspect is reportedly the couple's neighbor.
According to ABC News, Sparks was found under his home before he turned himself in to police officers. He is being housed at the West Valley Detention Center, police said.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected].
