California Police Discover Human Remains in Neighbor’s Bunker-Like Structure
Redlands, CA – Authorities in California have arrested a man in connection with the murder of an elderly couple who went missing from a nudist resort.
Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were reported missing from Olive Dell Ranch in Redlands, located 65 miles east of Los Angeles, after a friend noticed their absence last Sunday. The couple’s neighbor, 62-year-old Michael Sparks, has since been arrested in connection with their deaths.
On Friday, police announced the discovery of human remains at Sparks’ residence. The remains have been sent to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office for examination.
Sparks was apprehended on Thursday after what authorities described as “lengthy negotiations” that involved partially bulldozing his home to reveal a hidden bunker-like structure underneath. Sparks was discovered hiding in the structure and later arrested.
The Redlands Police Department has reported recovering bags of evidence, including human remains, from beneath Sparks’ home. The investigation is ongoing as police continue searching for more evidence throughout the weekend.
The Menards were reported missing on August 25, after their unlocked car was found abandoned down the road from their home. Their dog, a small white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, is also missing.
Authorities received a tip directing them to investigate Sparks, who was still on the property at Olive Dell Ranch. After several hours of attempted contact and the deployment of remote video equipment, police breached Sparks’ home with an armored vehicle. He was found and arrested later that evening.
During a press conference on Friday, police stated that Sparks was uncooperative but ultimately surrendered voluntarily after negotiations. At this time, no motive has been identified for the killings.
Sparks has been charged with the murder of the couple and is currently being held at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California. It remains unclear if he has retained legal representation.
Olive Dell Ranch, where the Menards and Sparks resided, is described on its website as a family-friendly nudist resort and residential RV park.
The investigation continues as police work to uncover further details surrounding this tragic incident.
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