The police have arrested a man in connection with the search for a couple are missing from a nudist community in California.
Michael Sparks, 62, was arrested for murder late Thursday, days after the couple was reported missing, according to the Redlands Police Department. Police had been trying to find Sparks on Thursday, breaking into a home and conducting a search use remote video equipment to find him.
Sparks was not found at the residence, but it was the same person who was sought in the search, police said.
He has been charged with murder at the West Valley Detention Center.
Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were reported missing Sunday, according to police. During a news conference Thursday, the Redlands Police Department said foul play was suspected after being tipped off by a source in the couple’s neighborhood.
The location of the couple and their dog remains unknown, police said.
On August 25, 2024, Stephanie Menard, her husband Daniel Menard and their dog Cuddles were reported missing to the Redlands Police Department by a friend.
Courtesy of Redlands Police Department/Facebook
The couple were last seen at their residence at Olive Dell Ranch – a family nudist resort – around 10am local time on Saturday. Their unlocked vehicle was found down the road from the residence that day, according to police.
Stephanie Menard’s purse was found in their residence along with both of their cell phones, according to police.
The couple’s dog, a white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, was also missing.