A man accused of killing a couple at a Southern California nudist resort may have done so after becoming angry over a hot dog, according to a detective’s court testimony in a preliminary hearing. It’s the latest detail in the tragic story we carried earlier of the RV park murders.
RV park murders at Olive Dell Ranch
Michael Royce Sparks, 62, has been charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances in connection with the deaths of his neighbors, Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel Menard, 79. The couple lived at Olive Dell Ranch, a nudist resort and residential RV park located in Redlands, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.
The Menards were last seen on August 24, 2024. When they didn’t return home or contact anyone, they were reported missing. A search eventually led police to Sparks’ property. Investigators discovered the couple’s remains inside bags hidden in a concrete bunker beneath his home. To complete the search, authorities had to demolish the home with heavy equipment.
“Cheap dollar hot dog” insult allegedly led to RV park murders
During a recent court hearing, a detective testified that Sparks admitted the killings to another inmate while in jail. According to that testimony, Sparks said he felt insulted when Daniel Menard gave him a hot dog. Sparks claimed it made him feel like he was being treated as if he were only worth a “cheap dollar hot dog,” and that was what pushed him over the edge.
Police believe the murders were especially violent. Sparks is accused of using a rake, a hoe, and a hammer to kill the Menards. In our original story, we reported the whereabouts of the Menard’s dog, Cuddles, were unknown. Sadly, Cuddles, was also killed—Sparks allegedly admitted to drowning the dog in a sink after the murders took place.
From tree trimming dispute to hideous murder
Neighbors at the Olive Dell Ranch said tensions between Sparks and the Menards had existed for years. One resident told reporters that the trouble began more than a decade ago, when Sparks refused to trim a tree that bordered their properties. The Menards ended up trimming the tree themselves, which reportedly angered Sparks and started a long-running feud.
Tammie Wilkerson, another neighbor, said she wasn’t surprised there was conflict, but never expected it to end in violence. “He didn’t like them, and he wasn’t shy about saying so,” she told KABC. “But I didn’t think he’d ever be able to do something like this.”
Olive Dell shaken
The Olive Dell Ranch, where all three lived, is known for its unique setting—a mix of RV park and nudist retreat. According to its website, it’s a “family-friendly resort” offering full-time residency and weekend stays for people looking to live a clothes-free lifestyle.
Sparks remains in jail while awaiting trial. He has not entered a plea. The case has drawn national attention because of the unusual setting, the bizarre motive, and the disturbing details that have emerged during the investigation.
Authorities say the case is still active, and they continue to gather evidence. In the meantime, the community at Olive Dell remains shaken by the tragic RV park murders that unfolded in their normally quiet, off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
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Way too many crazies running around in our society these days. Sounds like this guy has had some serious unaddressed anger and impulse control issues for a long time…
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! That a hotdog was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back” is tragic. Seems the intent of the offering was to mend relations and not further denigrate Sparks. A sad ending to a long undercurrent of animosity. Safe travels!