Murder charges filed against alleged killer of couple at nudist resort
The man who allegedly killed a couple who lived at an Inland Empire nudist resort is facing murder charges, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Michael Sparks, 62, allegedly killed his next-door neighbors, Daniel Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73, last month, and human remains were found under Sparks’ home at the Olive Dell Ranch Nudist Resort, authorities said.
“As far as we know, the remains that we’ve recovered are those of Dan and Stephanie and there are no others,” Redlands Police Department spokesperson Carl Baker previously told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson.
The home of Daniel Menard and Stephanie Menard in Colton. (KTLA) The home of Daniel Menard and Stephanie Menard in Colton. (KTLA) The home of Daniel Menard and Stephanie Menard in Colton. (KTLA) Daniel Menard and Stephanie Menard are seen in an image provided by the Redlands Police Department. Daniel Menard and Stephanie Menard are seen in an image provided by the Redlands Police Department. Michael Sparks is seen in an image provided by the Redlands Police Department.
Sparks, whose home was destroyed by officers as they attempted to capture him and search the property, had a concrete bunker under the residence in which the remains were found.
Authorities say Sparks tried to kill himself before he was taken into custody, but his rifle misfired.
Beyond that, however, officials declined to offer details about the crime, citing the ongoing investigation.
Instead, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson and Redlands Chief of Police Rachel Tolber thanked the community for their assistance once the Menards went missing.
“You have a community that, for all intents and purposes that we’ve seen throughout the week, is a tight-knit community,” Anderson said. “Obviously, people were very concerned about the Menards. There have been vigils that have been held there.”
“I’m very thankful for all of the partners, including our community, that were able to come together to see the investigation through to fruition,” Tolber added.
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