California: Human remains discovered under home of missing couple in nudist colony

New Delhi: A Southern California couple, residents of a nudist colony, who were reported missing earlier this week, are now believed to have died, according to police statements on Friday. In a shocking turn of events, their next-door neighbour has been taken into custody after authorities discovered human remains beneath his residence, The Guardian reported. 

Remains found in concrete bunker, couple feared dead

Authorities employed a tank-like vehicle to forcibly enter Sparks' residence, believing the bodies of Stephanie Menard, 73 and Daniel Menard, 79, might be located there. Carl Baker, spokesperson for the Redlands Police Department, confirmed that it is highly likely the couple is deceased, although the motive behind the crime has not yet been disclosed. "We are confident that they are deceased and that they are still here on the property," Mr. Baker informed Sky News.

The remains were found in bags within a concrete bunker underneath Sparks' property. Identification of the remains is pending, but the discovery has heightened concerns in the colony. Sparks was arrested on Thursday night on suspicion of homicide after being found hiding under his house at Olive Dell Ranch, a residential RV park and nudist resort approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Details of the disappearance

The investigation into the Menards' disappearance began when a friend reported them missing on Sunday, noting they were last seen at their home the previous Saturday. Their car was discovered unlocked nearby, with their phones and Stephanie Menard’s purse left behind in their residence. Additionally, their pet dog, a Shih Tzu named Cuddles, is also missing. The case took a troubling turn when a cadaver dog identified the presence of human remains under Sparks' property.

Neighbour's arrest leads to grisly discovery

The arrest and subsequent discovery of the remains came after a tip-off indicated that someone linked to the couple’s disappearance was still on the premises. When attempts to contact Sparks failed, a tactical vehicle was used to breach the property, leading to his surrender around 9:30 pm.

Friends and colony members are in shock over the tragic turn of events. Tammie Wilkerson, a friend of the Menards, described them as “very sweet people” who “didn’t have a mean bone in their body at all,” reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew them.