Missing Couple Presumed Dead, Neighbor Charged

LOS ANGELES, CA – A suspect in the murder of a nudist couple is scheduled to be in court on Tuesday.

It’s been a week now since the California couple was last seen. The couple is presumed dead, and their neighbor is now behind bars.

Daniel and Stephanie Menard were last seen on Saturday and reported missing on Sunday. Their unlocked car was found near their house.

A neighbor says they became suspicious when the couple didn’t show up for church.

Police say they got a tip alleging next-door neighbor, Michael Royce Sparks, was involved. By Thursday, police tore into Sparks’ home.

They used a battering ram and searched for him using video equipment. He was found under the home and surrendered voluntarily, according to police.

Residents in the tight-nit Olive Dell Ranch community already mourn the couple and their missing dog, a white shih tzu named Cuddles.

Neighbors say Sparks is quiet and keeps to himself. 

Authorities arrested Sparks on suspicion of murder. He is being held without bond.