A nudist ranch neighbor in California has been accused of murder in the disappearance of a couple.
More than a week has passed since the last sighting of Stephanie and Daniel Menard at Olive Dell Ranch in Colton.
A man living at a nudist resort in California was arrested for murder after he tried to harm himself with a rifle during a confrontation with police.
On Tuesday, the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office announced that Michael Royce Sparks, 62, has been charged with two felony counts of murder in connection to the deaths of Daniel Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73, who disappeared on Aug. 25.
On Thursday, Sparks was arrested at his home at the Olive Dell Ranch in Colton, where the remains of two people were discovered underneath his property, which is adjacent to the Menards' home. The resort is located in the 26000 block of Keissel Road, off Reche Canyon Road, approximately 13 miles southeast of Downtown San Bernardino.
The local coroner's office is examining the remains, which are believed to be Dan and Stephanie Menard, according to Redlands Chief of Police Rachel Tolber. She stated at a press conference that there is no reason to believe the bodies belong to anyone else.
The cause of death remains unknown, according to police, who conducted a search at the scene on Monday and removed bags of evidence.
The couple’s dog, named Cuddles, is also missing.
Sparks’ arrest was dramatic and followed numerous attempts to contact him.
With the help of a drone, Redlands police obtained a search warrant to enter Sparks' property, resulting in significant damage to his home. The SWAT teams tore down the front of his home, but had to pause operations at one stage due to signs of potential collapse.
Sparks, armed with a rifle, was found in his basement and attempted to harm himself. However, the weapon misfired and he was taken into custody that evening, Tolber said.
Sparks was suspected of involvement in the couple's disappearance and their murder after a family member claimed he confessed to it and threatened suicide, Tolber stated.
In addition to the charges of multiple murder, Sparks was also accused of committing these murders with special circumstances.
District Attorney Jason Anderson stated, "We have confirmed the deaths of two victims and, as a result, our special allegation of multiple victims in a murder case stands."
"We believe that we can prove Mr. Sparks responsible for both murders."
Sparks reportedly expressed hatred towards the longtime residents of the property on several occasions, according to neighbors who spoke to Fox 11.
After parts of their tree encroached on Sparks' property, one neighbor claimed there was tension between the couple and Sparks.
Sparks’ arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.
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