Local News
Neighbor charged with murder in disappearance of Redlands couple at nudist resort – NBC Los Angeles
What to Know
- Seventy-three-year-old Stephanie and Daniel Menard, 79 were reported missing by a friend after their unlocked car was discovered near their Redlands home.
- A tip led investigators to a neighbor of the Menards at a nudist resort, who was arrested after his home was torn down in a SWAT operation.
- Authorities said human remains believed to be those of the Menards were found in bags in a concrete bunker Friday under the home.
A 62-year-old man arrested last week at a Southern California nudist resort in connection with the disappearance of his neighbors has been charged with two counts of murder, authorities announced Tuesday.
Human remains believed to be those of 73-year-old Stephanie and Daniel Menard, 79, were found Friday under Michael Royce Sparks’ house at Olive Dell Ranch in Redlands following an hours-long SWAT operation, according to investigators. Sparks was arrested a day earlier at the San Bernardino County nudist resort on suspicion of murder in the disappearance of the Menards one week earlier.
The remains, which have not been identified by the coroner, were found by a fire department confined space search-and-rescue team in bags in a concrete basement under Sparks’ house following the SWAT operation. A tip from someone at the ranch led authorities to the residence, which was destroyed by an armored SWAT vehicle during the standoff with the armed suspect.
Sparks was found underneath the home and armed with a rifle, which misfired in a suicide attempt, said Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber. Sparks’ arrest came after several attempts to contact Sparks inside his home. When there was no response, law enforcement officers used an armored SWAT vehicle to tear down the house.
Tolber said Tuesday that the remains found under the home are believed to be those of the Menards. It was not immediately clear how long the remains were under the house.
“We’re mourning with the community over the homicides of Dan and Stephanie Menard,” said Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber.
An initial court date was set for Sept. 4. In addition to the two counts of murder, Sparks also faces a special circumstance allegation of multiple murder, which makes him eligible for a sentence of life without parole.
His arrest came nearly a week after the disappearance of the Menards, who were reported missing Aug. 25 by a friend. They were last seen at 10 a.m. a day earlier at their home in the 26000 block of Keissel Road. Their unlocked car was found nearby. Stephanie Menard’s purse was found at their home, as were the couple’s cellphone.
Their dog Cuddles also was missing. At a Tuesday news conference, authorities said there were no updates regarding the location of the dog.
Investigators have said there was evidence that led authorities to believe the couple’s remains were still on Sparks’ property about 70 miles east of Los Angeles. A cadaver dog “alerted” on at least one body at the property, Redlands Public Information Officer Carl Baker said during a news conference last week at the location.
Details about a motive or a possible cause of death were not immediately available. Residents said they believe Sparks lived alone.
“In this case, we believe that we can move forward and prove that Mr. Sparks is responsible for both (deaths),” said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson.
A woman who said she called 911 Aug. 25 to report the missing couple said she was concerned after they didn’t show up for a regular Friday potluck and karaoke night at a neighbor’s house. On Sunday, Irene Engkraf said she was on her way to church when they noticed the abandoned car. They checked the house and went to church, but there were no signs of the Menards at either location.
She then entered the Menard’s house and, after finding the purse and cellphones, called 911, she said. There were no signs of a disturbance.
The Olive Dell website describes the ranch as a residential RV park and family friendly nudist resort.
Local News
Shohei Ohtani hits NL-leading 4th homer in Dodgers 3-1 loss to Guardians – NBC Los Angeles
Matthew Boyd outdueled Landon Knack over five scoreless innings, Andrés Giménez hit a two-run homer in the sixth and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Friday night in a matchup of division leaders.
The NL West-leading Dodgers managed just two baserunners through five innings. Mookie Betts doubled in the first when Boyd hit Teoscar Hernández in the left foot.
Shohei Ohtani went deep in bottom of the sixth for his 45th home run and 100th RBI of the season that left the Dodgers trailing 2-1.
The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the eighth. Ohtani singled, Betts doubled and Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked by reliever Hunter Gaddis. Chris Taylor, who had replaced Hernández, grounded into a double play to end the threat.
Boyd (2-1) allowed one run and three hits in six innings. The left-hander struck out six and walked none.
Emmanuel Clase retired the side in the ninth to earn his 42nd save.
Sports
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Bryan Rocchio singled leading off the sixth and one out later Giménez sent Knack’s first pitch into right for a 2-0 lead.
Rocchio added a solo shot off Anthony Banda that landed in the Dodgers’ bullpen for a 3-1 lead in the eighth on a night when the game-time temperature was 86 degrees (30 Celsius). It soared to over 100 (37 Celsius) earlier in the day and as a result the Dodgers are skipping batting practice this weekend because of the unusual triple-digit temperatures..
Knack (2-3) didn’t allow a hit until José Ramírez singled in the fifth. It was just the second baserunner for the AL Central-leading Guardians after Kyle Manzardo walked in the second.
Knack was recalled before the game to make his ninth start of the season for the Dodgers. The right-hander gave up two runs and three hits in six innings. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday after developing a blister on his right middle finger.
Dodgers: RHP Gavin Stone (right shoulder inflammation) went on the IL after being the only pitcher to remain healthy most of the season. … LF Hernández has a left foot contusion after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.
UP NEXT
RHP Gavin Williams (3-7, 4.55 ERA) moves up a day to start Saturday in place of Cobb. LHP Justin Wrobleski (1-1, 6.88) comes up from the minors for the third time for the Dodgers, who weren’t sure if he will open or start.
Local News
Shohei Ohtani hits NL-leading 4th homer in Dodgers 3-1 loss to Guardians – NBC Los Angeles
Matthew Boyd outdueled Landon Knack over five scoreless innings, Andrés Giménez hit a two-run homer in the sixth and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Friday night in a matchup of division leaders.
The NL West-leading Dodgers managed just two baserunners through five innings. Mookie Betts doubled in the first when Boyd hit Teoscar Hernández in the left foot.
Shohei Ohtani went deep in bottom of the sixth for his 45th home run and 100th RBI of the season that left the Dodgers trailing 2-1.
The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the eighth. Ohtani singled, Betts doubled and Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked by reliever Hunter Gaddis. Chris Taylor, who had replaced Hernández, grounded into a double play to end the threat.
Boyd (2-1) allowed one run and three hits in six innings. The left-hander struck out six and walked none.
Emmanuel Clase retired the side in the ninth to earn his 42nd save.
Sports
Get today’s sports news out of Los Angeles. Here’s the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA and more LA teams.
Tiafoe, Fritz to battle in first All-American US Open men’s semifinal since 2005
NASCAR in Atlanta: Schedule, watch info, favorites for Quaker State 400
Bryan Rocchio singled leading off the sixth and one out later Giménez sent Knack’s first pitch into right for a 2-0 lead.
Rocchio added a solo shot off Anthony Banda that landed in the Dodgers’ bullpen for a 3-1 lead in the eighth on a night when the game-time temperature was 86 degrees (30 Celsius). It soared to over 100 (37 Celsius) earlier in the day and as a result the Dodgers are skipping batting practice this weekend because of the unusual triple-digit temperatures..
Knack (2-3) didn’t allow a hit until José Ramírez singled in the fifth. It was just the second baserunner for the AL Central-leading Guardians after Kyle Manzardo walked in the second.
Knack was recalled before the game to make his ninth start of the season for the Dodgers. The right-hander gave up two runs and three hits in six innings. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday after developing a blister on his right middle finger.
Dodgers: RHP Gavin Stone (right shoulder inflammation) went on the IL after being the only pitcher to remain healthy most of the season. … LF Hernández has a left foot contusion after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.
UP NEXT
RHP Gavin Williams (3-7, 4.55 ERA) moves up a day to start Saturday in place of Cobb. LHP Justin Wrobleski (1-1, 6.88) comes up from the minors for the third time for the Dodgers, who weren’t sure if he will open or start.
Local News
Los Angeles is getting a new area code – NBC Los Angeles
New phone service customers within the 213 and 323 area code region of Los Angeles may be assigned to the new 738 area code, Spectrum announced Friday.
The affected neighborhoods include downtown Los Angeles, Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Commerce, Cudahy, Glendale, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, West Hollywood, and unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County, according to the company.
“The new 738 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the 213 and 323 area codes,” Spectrum said on its website.
Those with the new area code will still have to dial 1 and 10 digits when making all local calls, including the 738 numbers.
Those with the existing phone services in the 213 and 323 areas will not be affected as the price of a call, coverage area and other rates and services will remain the same, according to Spectrum.
Those with questions regarding the information can call Spectrum at (855) 707 – 7328 and visit the California Public Utilities Commission’s website for more information.
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