The suspect, Michael Royce Sparks, 62, was apprehended after a tense standoff with law enforcement, during which he attempted to harm himself with a firearm.
According to Fox News, Sparks was charged with two counts of felony murder in relation to the deaths of Daniel Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73. The couple was last seen on August 25, as stated by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office during a press briefing on Tuesday. Sparks was arrested at his residence at the Olive Dell Ranch in Colton, where the remains of two individuals were discovered on the same day. The property, located in the 26000 block of Keissel Road, is adjacent to the Menards' home and approximately 13 miles southeast of Downtown San Bernardino.
The local coroner’s office is currently examining the remains, which are believed to be those of the missing couple. Redlands Chief of Police Rachel Tolber stated at the press conference that there is no reason to suspect the bodies belong to anyone else. The cause of death remains undisclosed, and the couple's dog, Cuddles, is also missing.
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The arrest of Sparks was fraught with drama, following several unsuccessful attempts to contact him. Redlands police, armed with a search warrant, entered Sparks' property with the assistance of a drone. SWAT teams were also involved, causing significant damage to the front of his home and leading to a temporary halt in operations due to the risk of collapse.
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Sparks was eventually found in a subterranean basement of his home, armed with a rifle and attempting self-harm. However, the weapon misfired, and he was subsequently taken into custody. Sparks became a person of interest after a family member reportedly informed the police that he had confessed to involvement in the couple's disappearance and their murder. The family member also reported that Sparks had been threatening suicide.
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In addition to the murder charges, Sparks faces allegations of special circumstances involving more than one murder in the first or second degree. District Attorney Jason Anderson stated, "We know they’re dead and we know there’s two victims and so the special allegation that we filed is multiple victims in a murder case. You don't get a free murder. We believe in this case we can go forward and prove that Mr. Sparks is responsible for both."
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Neighbors reported to Fox 11 that Sparks had expressed animosity towards the couple, who had resided at the property for several decades. One neighbor suggested that a dispute had arisen between Sparks and the couple over a tree that had encroached onto Sparks' property. Sparks is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday.
