Human Remains Found At SoCal Nudist Ranch, Investigation Continues

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Human remains were found Friday afternoon at a Southern California nudist resort, though officials have yet to confirm whether they belong to a married couple who were reported missing from the facility.

The grim discovery was made around 2:3o p.m. after Redlands Fire Department crew members entered a confined space under the home of 62-year-old Michael Royce Sparks, who was living at the 100-acre Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort in Colton.

Sparks was arrested at 9:46 p.m. Thursday when he surrendered to police after barricading under the home. He was booked into San Bernardino County jail on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance of Redlands residents Daniel Menard, 79, and his wife, Stephanie Menard, 73, who were also residing at the ranch. The couple's dog, Cuddles, is also missing.

On Friday, investigators were focused on the confined space where Sparks was found hiding. 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.

Investigative work was halted late Friday afternoon after the confined space showed signs of potential collapse, police said.

The work is scheduled to resume Saturday morning — heavy equipment will be brought in to remove debris, according to police.

A possible motive for the apparent slayings was not disclosed. Sparks' relationship, if any, to the Menards was unclear. It's also unknown whether he had any official role at the ranch.

Sparks became a person of interest Thursday morning, according to Redlands Police Department spokesperson Carl Baker. A search of the resort was conducted, and by Thursday afternoon, police narrowed in on Sparks' home. A police tactical vehicle was used to push through his residence in an effort to locate him.

Friday morning, police focused their search for bodies at Sparks' home. A cadaver dog alerted investigators "to the presence of at least one body," according to Redlands police.

Due to the home's extensive damage from the tactical vehicle, search efforts were slowed by structural safety concerns, police said.

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.

A friend reported the Menards missing to Redlands police at about 10 a.m. Aug. 24. The couple was last seen at the ranch.

The Menards' 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.

The Menards' dog was described by police as a small white Shih Tzu.

The couple’s friend, Tammie Wilkerson, told KABC-TV that the Menards were very active in their community.

"They’re very sweet people. There’s not a mean bone in their body at all, which makes this very confusing," Wilkerson said.

Sparks, who is being held without bail, is scheduled for arraignment Sept. 3, jail records show.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.