An elderly couple who disappeared from a nudist ranch in Colton are now presumed dead and police have arrested a suspect in their murder.
The Redlands Police Department made the arrest 62-year-old Michael Royce Sparks on Thursday night in connection with the disappearance of Daniel Menard, 79, and his wife, Stephanie Menard, 73, from Olive Dell Ranch, according to a police news release. Sparks was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
The Menards and their dog, a small shih tzu named Cuddles, were reported missing by a friend Sunday, police said.
Menard’s car was found unlocked down the road from their home, and Stephanie’s purse was found in their home along with her and Daniel’s cell phones, authorities said.
Investigators were at Sparks’ home Friday morning preparing to search for the couple’s bodies, police said. The structure, which has extensive damage, must be deemed safe before applicants can enter.
“Currently we are trying to locate the victims,” Redlands Police Spokesperson Carl Baker said during a press conference on Friday morning. “We are confident that they are deceased and that they are still here on the property.”
Sparks, who was found in the home next door to the Menards’ home, surrendered after negotiating with authorities, Baker said.