Human Remains Discovered Under California Nudist Resort
In a shocking discovery, human remains were found in bags beneath the mobile home of a man accused of killing his neighbors at a nudist resort in California. The unsettling find was made by members of the Redlands Fire Department on Friday, prompting an investigation into the case that has left the community reeling.
Details of the Case
The man arrested is Michael Royce Sparks, aged 62, who has been charged in connection with the deaths of his neighbors, Daniel and Stephanie Menard. The couple, aged 79 and 73 respectively, had not been seen since Saturday, and their absence raised concerns among community members. On Sunday, the Menards were reported missing after they failed to show up for church services, a regular Sunday ritual.
According to police, a tip was received that connected Sparks to the missing couple. This led officers to obtain a search warrant for his home, located at the Olive Dell Ranch, a popular nudist resort about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.
The Arrest
On Thursday, officers attempted to make contact with Sparks but were unsuccessful. The situation escalated when law enforcement had to forcibly enter his home using a battering ram and extensive equipment to locate him. Sparks was found “under the home,” where he had barricaded himself and was armed with a rifle. At around 9:30 p.m., as officers attempted to negotiate, Sparks reportedly tried to shoot himself, but his weapon misfired. He eventually surrendered to the police after lengthy negotiations, although officials noted he hadn’t been entirely cooperative.
Sparks is currently awaiting his court appearance scheduled for Tuesday. Jail records indicate he is ineligible for bail. Since his arrest, he has not spoken to law enforcement officials, and no attorney or family members have yet been identified.
The Discovery of Remains
The remains found in a concrete structure described as a “bunker” have not yet been identified. A representative from the coroner’s office is currently working on this crucial aspect of the investigation. As the remains are examined, police continue to search for information about the couple’s dog, a white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, who has not been located.
Community Impact
The local community has been shaken by these events. Concerned neighbor Irene Engkraf, who played a crucial role in alerting law enforcement, expressed her worry. She explained that she noticed the Menards did not attend church services as usual, which prompted her to check on them. Accessing their home with a spare key, she discovered their belongings, including Stephanie Menard’s purse and both of their phones. This made her alarmed enough to call 911 and search local hospitals.
Engkraf recalled, “It felt so odd not to have them sitting right next to me at their usual Wednesday Bible study. But I know God’s with them. He’s with them wherever they are.” She described the Menards as friendly individuals and noted that Sparks was viewed as a “loner” who did not socialize much with others in the community.
As investigators piece together the timeline of events leading up to the tragic disappearances, the Redlands Police Department is focused on gathering more information while supporting the Menard family and the wider community impacted by this grim situation.
