Man arrested for murder in case of couple missing from California nudist community

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California: A man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a couple from a nudist community in California, with authorities now believing the couple is dead.

Michael Sparks, a 62-year-old neighbor, was taken into custody for murder late Thursday, days after Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were reported missing, according to the Redlands Police Department. Police had been searching for Sparks on Thursday, eventually locating him beneath his home after breaching the property and using remote video equipment. Following extended negotiations, Sparks surrendered and was booked at the West Valley Detention Center.


Police are currently searching Sparks’ property for the couple’s bodies, with the help of search teams and cadaver dogs. The couple’s dog, a white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, is also missing.

Authorities were led to suspect foul play after receiving a tip from a source in the couple’s neighborhood. During interviews conducted on Thursday, police were informed that someone involved in the couple’s disappearance was on the property, prompting them to secure the area and arrest Sparks.

The last known sighting of the couple occurred at their home on Olive Dell Ranch, a family nudist resort, at approximately 10 a.m. local time on Saturday. Later that day, their vehicle was discovered abandoned down the road from their residence, with the doors unlocked, raising immediate concerns among the authorities.

Inside the couple’s home, police discovered Stephanie Menard’s purse, which still contained her personal belongings. Both of their cellphones were also found inside, untouched. These findings heightened the urgency of the investigation, as they indicated that the couple had likely left their residence in a hurry or under duress, leaving behind essential items they would typically take with them. The unlocked vehicle and abandoned personal belongings added to the suspicion that foul play was involved in their disappearance.

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