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.
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.
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.
