Killings At IE Nudist Ranch: 'Very Unusual Case'

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — First-degree murder charges were filed Tuesday in San Bernardino County against an Inland Empire nudist ranch resident who is accused of killing his next-door neighbors.

In addition to the murder charges, Michael Royce Sparks, 62, is also facing special circumstances that could make him eligible for a sentence of life without the possibility of parole in the slayings of Daniel Menard, 79, and his wife, Stephanie Menard, 73.

During a joint news conference Tuesday afternoon at the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office, officials thanked local residents for helping to solve the Menards mysterious Aug. 24 disappearance at the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort, 26520 Keissel Road, in Colton.

Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber told reporters, "We are mourning with the community."

San Bernardino County District Attorney called the investigation "unprecedented" and "a very unusual case."

The search for the Menards, who vanished from the ranch along with their little dog, Cuddles, was a multi-agency effort that was initially focused on the hills and trails of the 100-acre facility.

The couple's unlocked vehicle was found down the road from their ranch residence on the same day they were reported missing. Their cell phones and Stephanie’s purse were found inside their home, according to police.

Daniel was diabetic and suffered from dementia, police said.

Sparks became a person of interest on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 29, according to Redlands Police Department spokesperson Carl Baker.

During Tuesday's news conference, Tolber said "a family member" came forward and relayed to investigators that Sparks was suicidal and might be responsible for the couple's disappearance, Tolber said.

Investigators narrowed in on Sparks' home, which was next door to the Menard's residence.

When efforts to find Sparks failed, a police tactical vehicle outfitted with a battering ram and video camera was used to push through his home.

Sparks was eventually discovered hiding in a "subterranean basement" beneath his home, Tolber said.

He was armed with a rifle and tried to kill himself before police took him into custody. His weapon misfired and no one was injured, according to Tolber.

A cadaver dog alerted investigators "to the presence of at least one body" in the area, according to Redlands police.

Due to the home's extensive damage from the tactical vehicle, search efforts for the couple's remains were slowed by structural safety concerns. As a result, the search extended through the long holiday weekend and concluded Monday, police said.

Investigators focused their efforts on the basement. Bags of evidence were removed from the area, and officials with the coroner's office confirmed they contained human remains, according to the Redlands Police Department.

The Menards' dog, a white shih tzu, has not been found.

While the San Bernardino County coroner will positively identify the remains, Tolber said investigators believe they belong to the Menards.

Tobler did not provide details on the condition of the bodies, nor did she offer any information on how they may have died.

A possible motive for the apparent slayings was not disclosed. It's unclear whether Sparks and/or the Menards had any official role at the ranch.

Olive Dell Ranch at 26520 Keissel Road is set in the region's rugged Reche Canyon. The ranch's website describes the facility as a family-friendly nudist resort featuring an RV park, cabins, pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, clubhouse and miles of hiking trails. It has operated since 1952, according to the website.

Sparks remains jailed Tuesday at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail and is due for arraignment Wednesday, Sept. 4, according to updated jail records.