Update: Man arrested for murder after SWAT raid at Olive Dell Ranch
SWAT raid leads to arrest in tragic disappearance of beloved Olive Dell Ranch couple
A devastating development has occurred in the search for Stephanie and Daniel Menard, the couple who went missing from Olive Dell Ranch last week. As reported by ABC7, Michael Royce Sparks, 62, was arrested for murder following a SWAT raid on his home at the nudist resort in Redlands, California. Sparks, who lived next door to the missing couple, had been identified as a person of interest earlier in the investigation.
The SWAT team used an armored vehicle to breach Sparks’ residence during the operation, which locked down the entire ranch. After an extensive search, Sparks was located hiding underneath his house and was later arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, according to Carl Baker, a spokesman for the Redlands Police in the press conference linked above. Later in the afternoon in a separate press conference, Baker confirmed that human remains were found in bags located in a concrete bunker underneath Sparks’ home. Details about the specific circumstances and Sparks’ connection to the case remain unclear at this time.
This tragic news is deeply saddening for everyone in the Olive Dell Ranch community and the broader Southern California nudist community. Stephanie and Daniel were valued members of a close-knit, supportive circle that prides itself on mutual care and respect. Their loss is felt deeply by all who knew them and by those who shared the community with them.
I want to extend sincere condolences to their family, friends, and neighbors. Our thoughts are with those who are grieving and seeking comfort. We all hope for justice and healing in the wake of this tragedy.
This is a developing story, and more information will be shared as it becomes available. 🪐
Updated 8/30/24 - 5:20pm PDT: Details added to reflect the remains of the deceased being found.
Residents and friends held a vigil last night at Olive Dell and members at Glen Eden held a vigil for them here.
Remains have been found in home of arrested suspect.