Police have detained a man in connection with the disappearance of a couple from a nudist community in California. Police are now convinced that the couple has died.
Michael Sparks, 62, the couple’s neighbor, was arrested for murder late Thursday, days after they were reported missing, according to the Redlands Police Department. On Thursday, police attempted to locate Sparks by breaching a home and performing a search with remote video equipment.
Sparks was discovered beneath his home and surrendered after extensive discussions, according to Redland Police. He has been booked at the West Valley Detention Center.
Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were reported missing on Sunday, police said. During a press conference on Thursday, the Redlands Police Department stated that foul play was suspected after being tipped off by a source in the couple’s neighborhood.
Police are currently hunting for the couple’s bodies, which they believe are on the suspect’s home. Search teams, including cadaver dogs, are on the premises.
The couple’s dog, Cuddles, a white Shih Tzu, has also gone missing.
A source alerted police on Thursday that a person linked in their abduction was on the property when they were conducting interviews, prompting police to shut down the area and finally arrest Sparks.
Police invaded the suspect’s residence, causing significant damage, but they intend to search it as soon as it is safe to enter.
The pair was last seen at their home on Olive Dell Ranch, a family nudist resort, at 10 a.m. local time on Saturday. Police discovered their unlocked vehicle down the road from the residence that day.
Stephanie Menard’s purse was discovered inside their home, along with both of their smartphones, according to authorities.
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