San Bernardino County authorities have revealed the tragic cause of death of an elderly couple who vanished from their home at a Redlands nudist ranch earlier this month. Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were found dead from blunt-force trauma to the head, with the coroner officially classifying their deaths as homicides, told Daily Mail.
The couple, who were last seen alive on August 24 at the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort, sparked concern in the tight-knit community after they failed to attend church the next day. This prompted a search by the Redlands Police Department, which soon took a dark turn when suspicions of foul play arose.
“We suspect that there may have been foul play,” said Redlands spokesperson Carl Baker. “While we were here, knocking on doors and canvassing the area, we got information that a person who is potentially involved in the disappearance of the couple was here.”
The tip led police to the Menards’ next-door neighbor, Michael Royce Sparks, 62, resulting in an hours-long standoff. Officers, learning that Sparks was armed, attempted to negotiate before ultimately leveling his house with armored vehicles. Sparks was later found hiding in a “homemade basement-type area” beneath his destroyed home. According to Baker, “He did have a rifle and he did attempt to kill himself when police discovered him, but the rifle misfired.”
The following morning, police dogs discovered the remains of Stephanie and Daniel Menard, along with “bags of evidence” near Sparks’ home. The grisly discovery devastated friends and neighbors, many of whom had known the Menards for years.
“I just want them back,” said a heartbroken Sandy Marinelli, a friend of the couple for over a decade. “They don’t deserve this. … They’re just good people. They go to church. They don’t deserve any of this.”
Sparks was arrested shortly after the standoff, and days later, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson charged him with two counts of murder, including a special allegation of multiple murders. Prosecutors have not yet determined if the killings were premeditated.
Neighbors described an ongoing dispute between Sparks and the Menards, one that seems tragically petty in hindsight. Tammie Wilkerson, who also lives at the ranch, recalled Sparks’ resentment towards the couple. “He didn’t like them. He hated them, and he told me many times,” she said. “It’s such a stupid reason. They had a tree that was on their property line, and Dan used to go trim the limbs, and he hated that. That formed his hatred towards them.”
Sparks pleaded not guilty in early September and is set to appear in court again on October 18.