Sparks pleads not guilty in Olive Dell Ranch murders
Michael Sparks accused of killing neighbors Daniel and Stephanie Menard, held without bail
Michael Royce Sparks, the man accused of murdering his elderly neighbors at the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort in Redlands, California, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at the San Bernardino Justice Center today. Sparks, 62, faces two counts of murder in the deaths of Daniel Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73, who disappeared from the resort in late August.1
During the hearing, Sparks’ public defender entered the not-guilty plea, and the court granted the prosecution’s request to hold Sparks without bail, citing the severity of the crime. Sparks also waived his right to a speedy trial, with the next hearing scheduled for October 18.
The Menards were beloved members of the Olive Dell Ranch, a family-oriented nudist resort. Their deaths have left a profound impact on the community, with neighbors still grappling with the loss. The peaceful environment of Olive Dell, nestled in the serene hills of Reche Canyon, was a haven for the Menards and their friends. Now, the community mourns as they await further developments in this heartbreaking case.
Investigators retrieved the couple's remains four days after they were reported missing. The remains were positively identified following autopsies performed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner. Sparks, who was arrested after allegedly confessing to a family member, had been hiding in a bunker under his house when police found him. According to police reports, Sparks also attempted suicide with a rifle, but the weapon misfired. No motive has been released by police at this time.
Prosecutors have yet to determine whether they will seek the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for Sparks. For now, the Olive Dell community is left to heal while holding onto the memories of their lost neighbors and continuing to support one another in the face of such unimaginable violence. 🪐
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Sources for this article
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/man-charged-with-murder-of-california-nudist-ranch-couple-pleads-not-guilty/
https://www.sbsun.com/2024/09/09/neighbor-accused-of-murdering-couple-at-redlands-nudist-resort-pleads-not-guilty/
https://www.dailynews.com/2024/09/09/neighbor-accused-of-murdering-couple-at-redlands-nudist-resort-pleads-not-guilty/
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