Elderly couple from California nudist community missing, neighbor arrested

A man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a nudist couple from a California community, as authorities now believe the pair is deceased. The Redlands Police Department apprehended Michael Sparks, 62, on murder charges days after the couple was reported missing.

Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, residents of Olive Dell Ranch, a family nudist resort, were last seen at their home around 10 a.m. The couple's absence was reported to authorities the next day, prompting an investigation.

During a press briefing, Redlands Police said they are suspecting foul play after receiving a tip from a source in the couple's neighborhood. 

During the investigation, police learned that a person of interest was present on the property while conducting interviews. This information led to an immediate lockdown of the area and the subsequent arrest of Sparks, who was found hiding underneath his home, after prolonged negotiations.

Law enforcement officials used an armored vehicle equipped with a hydraulic battering ram to breach Sparks' residence on Keissel Road during their search operation. The action resulted in significant damage to the property, which police plan to search thoroughly once it is deemed safe to enter.

Authorities then shifted focus to locating the bodies of Stephanie and Daniel Menard. Search teams, including cadaver dogs, are combing the suspect's property. 

The couple's disappearance initially raised concerns when their unlocked vehicle was discovered down the road from their residence on the day they were last seen. Inside their home, police found Stephanie Menard's purse and both of their cell phones.

As the investigation continues, police are also searching for the couple's missing white Shih Tzu, Cuddles.

Sparks has been booked into the West Valley Detention Center on murder charges.