Neighbor charged with murder of California nudist couple in August

Michael Royce Sparks, a 62-year-old man from Redlands, has been charged with the murder of his neighbors, Daniel Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73, who were reported missing from the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort in San Bernardino County in late August. The couple was last seen on August 24, and their disappearance raised suspicions of foul play, leading police to investigate Sparks as a person of interest shortly thereafter. On August 29, police began searching Sparks' home, where he was found hiding underneath the structure. During this encounter, he attempted suicide with a rifle, which misfired. Following this, a cadaver dog was brought in to search for the Menards' bodies, which were later discovered under Sparks' home on September 5, confirmed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner. Reports indicate that there was a longstanding dispute between Sparks and the Menards, stemming from a disagreement over a tree on their property line. A neighbor revealed that Sparks had expressed hatred towards the couple multiple times, suggesting that this animosity may have contributed to the tragic events. Sparks has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and his next court appearance is scheduled for October 18. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the couple's disappearance and subsequent discovery of their remains.