California nudist accused of killing neighbors and drowning their dog over hot dog 'jab'
Share this @internewscast.com

A California nudist is accused of killing his neighbors, chopping them up and drowning their Shih Tzu after they allegedly mocked him with a $1 hot dog, according to authorities and local reporting.

Redlands Police announced the arrest of Michael Sparks, 62, last August – five days after his neighbors went missing.

They found the suspect at his home in Olive Dell Ranch, billed as a “family friendly” RV park and a reputed Southern California nudist resort. A cadaver dog alerted police to a bunker underneath the home, where they recovered two bodies, dismembered, mutilated and stored in plastic bags.

The victims were Daniel Menard, 79, who suffered from dementia, and his 73-year-old wife, Stephanie.

Menards dog

The Redlands Police Department says the Menards’ dog, Cuddles, has not been found. (Redlands Police Department)

During a standoff before Sparks’ arrest, responding officers asked him where the Menards were and if they needed help, according to the paper.

“He replied back that they were in pieces,” Detective Williams testified.

Other witnesses said that Sparks did not get along with the Menards.

They had alleged disputes over a noisy backup generator, tree trimming and the hot dog.

Michael Sparks has thinning gray hair and a full beard in his mugshot

This booking image provided by the Redlands Police Department shows Michael Royce Sparks, who was booked into jail for investigation of homicide in connection with the disappearance of a couple living in a nudist colony in Redlands, California. (Redlands Police Department via AP, File)

Sparks faces two counts of murder and an animal cruelty charge. He pleaded not guilty at an earlier proceeding and is being held without bail.

Judge Alexander Martinez denied a defense motion to keep cameras out of the courtroom. Sparks is due back in court on June 27 for an arraignment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jaguars fan's loyalty earns surprise tickets from Coach's wife after social media exchange

Loyal Jaguars Fan Rewarded with Surprise Tickets by Coach’s Wife Following Social Media Interaction

Eric Dunn, a devoted Jacksonville Jaguars enthusiast, shared a memorable moment from…
JSO: Suspect arrested after fatal 2025 shooting at Northwest apartment complex

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspect in Fatal 2025 Shooting at Northwest Apartment Complex

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reported that a suspect, already incarcerated for…
Cops release images of suspects wanted in fatal stabbing of Queens teen

Queens Teen Fatal Stabbing: Police Release Suspect Images in Urgent Appeal for Public Assistance

On Saturday, the police released photos of two individuals suspected of being…
CNN's Campbell: Looks Like ICE Agent 'Likely Struck by That Car', But Question Is if He Could Have Jumped Away

ICE Agent Involved in Collision: CNN’s Campbell Questions Possibility of Avoidance

During Friday’s edition of “The Brief” on CNN International, Senior Correspondent Josh…
Georgia lawmaker accused of ripping off taxpayers with pandemic unemployment fraud announces retirement

Georgia Legislator Allegedly Involved in Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Announces Retirement

The second Georgia state House member accused of falsifying information to receive…
Philadelphia sheriff rips ICE as 'fake, wannabe law enforcement,' threatening arrests: 'Don't want this smoke'

Philadelphia Sheriff Denounces ICE as ‘Imposters,’ Warns Against Overstepping Authority

Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal recently criticized the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
'A horror movie come to life' | Man arrested in Pennsylvania allegedly had hundreds of human remains in his home

Chilling Discovery: Pennsylvania Man Arrested After Hundreds of Human Remains Found In Home

Authorities reportedly apprehended a man leaving a cemetery with tools used for…
Noem praises DHS officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day as attacks on federal agents spike nationwide

Governor Noem Commends DHS Officers Amid Rising Nationwide Attacks on Federal Agents

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, typically a day set aside for reflecting on…
'We respect everyone': Local restaurant hit with one-star reviews after planning Bills watch party

Local Restaurant Faces Backlash with One-Star Reviews Over Controversial Bills Watch Party

In Jacksonville, the rivalry between the Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills has…
Renee Good's wife speaks out after fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis: 'She literally sparkled'

Tragic ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: Heartfelt Tribute from Renee Good’s Wife Highlights Her ‘Sparkling’ Spirit

In the wake of a tragic incident involving Renee Good, her spouse,…
LI man accused of kidnapping 11-year-old Queens girl he met on Discord

Long Island Man Charged with Kidnapping 11-Year-Old Queens Girl He Allegedly Met on Discord

A man from Long Island is facing serious charges for allegedly kidnapping…
'We deserve answers': One month later, family still searching for justice in Corey Denmark’s killing

Family Seeks Justice: One Month On, Questions Remain in Corey Denmark’s Death

“Justice means sitting in a courtroom, watching those responsible pay for their…