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
New Mexico village rebuilds all over again after record-breaking flash flood kills 3

New Mexico Village Begins Rebuilding After Devastating Flash Flood

RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — The mountain village of Ruidoso faced the familiar…
Photo of Darcy Deefholts.

Teen Surfer’s Dramatic Rescue: Swept 9 Miles Out to Sea and Stranded Overnight on Deserted Island

A 19-YEAR-OLD surfer was miraculously found alive and well after getting marooned…
Trump's immigration crackdown prompts California bishop to excuse Catholics from Sunday mass

California Bishop Allows Catholics to Miss Sunday Mass in Response to Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

A Southern California bishop made an unusual decision on Tuesday to relieve…
Gavin Newsom's Big Address to the Nation Was a Lie-Filled Disaster

Democrats Criticized for Supporting High-Density Housing Following California Wildfires

For quite some time, California Democrats have pushed for the development of…
Florida tourist hotspot nearly becomes sanctuary city before leaders reverse ICE policy

Florida Tourist Destination Almost Becomes a Sanctuary City Before Officials Change Course on ICE Policy

Key West city officials have decided to renew their local law enforcement’s…
Man busted with anti-government, anti-Trump documents after Texas ICE ambush suspect phone call, feds say

Federal Authorities Claim Texas ICE Ambush Suspect Found with Anti-Government and Anti-Trump Documents

A man accused of tampering with evidence related to the attack on…
Woman on a beach in a beige halter top and matching skirt.

Influencer and Mother, 40, Dies During Triple Plastic Surgery Procedure After Buttock Fat Injection

AN INSTAGRAM influencer and mum tragically died during a “three-in-one” plastic surgery…
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv

Shock as Ukraine Special Ops Chief Is Assassinated with Silenced Pistol in Cold Blood

This is the chilling event where a leading Ukrainian special operations official…
One year after Trump assassination attempt, Butler widow demands accountability from Secret Service

One Year After Attempted Assassination on Trump, Butler Widow Calls for Secret Service Accountability

One year after Corey Comperatore was killed at a Trump rally in…
FBI seeking military vet Benjamin Hanil Song suspected in ICE ambush at Texas detention facility

FBI on the hunt for military vet Benjamin Hanil Song in connection with ICE ambush at Texas detention center

The FBI is currently on the lookout for a former military member…
'General Hospital,' 'The View,' 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' and Anthony Mackie are among the Daytime Emmy Awards nominees.

Daytime Emmy Nominations Include ‘General Hospital,’ ‘The View,’ ‘Live with Kelly and Mark,’ and Anthony Mackie

LOS ANGELES — The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has…
Measles outbreak: United States having worst year for measles in more than 3 decades, CDC says

Measles Outbreak: CDC Reports Worst Year in Over 30 Years for U.S. Measles Cases

The U.S. is experiencing its most severe year for measles transmission in…