A recent courtroom revelation hinted at the bizarre and brutal motive behind a double killing that rocked a close-knit community.
An elderly couple was brutally murdered at the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort in Redlands, California, allegedly over a perceived insult involving a hot dog. On June 16, 2025, Redlands Police Detective Thomas Williams testified that the August 2024 killings stemmed from years of disputes and a final moment of perceived humiliation that turned deadly.
Tensions between Michael Royce Sparks, 62, and his neighbors, Dan Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73, had reportedly simmered long before culminating in what prosecutors described as a savage double murder.
Living side by side at the 73-year-old resort in Reche Canyon, the couple and Michael had frequent disagreements ranging from property issues to personal animosity. One neighbor told investigators that while Michael disliked a couple, he reserved particular hatred for the Menards.
Other testimony described how a generator the couple installed caused friction, and Dan’s trimming of Michael’s overhanging tree branches only worsened their relations.
Furthermore, Stephanie was known to criticize their neighbor’s lifestyle, reportedly calling him “sinful,” although Michael was allegedly well-liked by others in their neighborhood.
However, according to Detective Thomas, the final trigger was over food. Around three weeks after Michael’s arrest, a fellow inmate at West Valley Detention Center claimed that Michael believed Dan had insulted him by buying him a cheap hot dog.
“He said Mr. Sparks felt that the hot dog was a jab at him, making him feel like he was worth only a dollar hot dog, and that’s what set him off that day,” the detective revealed.
Detective Thomas went on to detail how Michael struck Dan in the head. Afterward, Stephanie reportedly ran outside, shouting for him to stop, only to be attacked with the same brutal force. The rage-fueled neighbor allegedly used multiple weapons in the assault.
He then took the couple into a bunker he had constructed beneath his trailer. Police found the remains in black plastic bags and an orange Home Depot bucket. Furthermore, Detective Thomas also told the court that Michael admitted to killing the couple’s white Shih Tzu, Cuddles.
When garbage collection was delayed, the neighbor allegedly tossed the dog’s body into the nearby hills, believing coyotes would consume it.
Defense attorney Gary Ablard offered no defense during the preliminary hearing. Following the disturbing testimony, Superior Court Judge Alexander R. Martinez ruled that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
Michael faces two counts of murder and one count of animal cruelty but has pleaded not guilty. District Attorney Jason Anderson has not confirmed whether his office will seek the death penalty. Another hearing is set for June 27, 2025.
However, the detective wasn’t the only one to testify. Several residents of Olive Dell Ranch were visibly shaken as they recounted what they knew. Wayne Marinelli broke down while recalling how he had seen Michael washing out a 55-gallon drum that appeared to be bloodstained, just as the community was searching for the missing couple.
Tammie Wilkerson cried as she took the stand and described Michael as physically strong, recalling how he had once built a dog kennel for her without resting, lifting heavy bags of concrete effortlessly.
Other neighbors echoed similar sentiments. Despite his reclusive tendencies, many remembered “Mike” or “Sparky” as a helpful man. Mary Farrell testified that he had assisted her in moving furniture and dozens of boxes without complaint.
The Menards had lived at the resort for 15 years. Stephanie suffered from muscular dystrophy and used a cane, while Dan had dementia and mobility issues.
As a result, John Hillis, a close friend and neighbor, routinely drove them to church in Moreno Valley. During his testimony, John became concerned on August 25, 2024, when he did not receive Stephanie’s usual call to arrange the ride. When he drove past the church, he saw their car parked in a driveway with keys in the ignition.
After the church service, he went to their home with his spare key and found their belongings undisturbed, including Stephanie’s purse and Dan’s wallet. However, the worst part was seeing her cane. “She doesn’t cross the threshold of the door without the cane,” he testified.
Initially treated as a missing persons’ case, the investigation shifted dramatically on August 29, 2024, when a dispatcher and former coworker of Michael, Gale Heidelberg, received a series of shocking text messages.
Allegedly, Michael texted her, “It’s me. Committing suicide today. Take care. Bye.” When she asked what was going on, he responded, “Chopped up my neighbors. Didn’t know I had it in me. SNAPPED.”
Detective Laurel Shearer, who had already been investigating a foul odor emanating from Michael’s home, was alerted to the texts. However, Michael refused to exit the trailer, prompting officers to use a tractor to dismantle it.
Inside the underground bunker, officers found him holding a long rifle. He attempted to end his own life, but the weapon jammed. When Detective Thomas asked about the Menards’ whereabouts, Michael replied that they were “underneath the trailer and that they didn’t need any help.”
When pressed further, he said, “They were in pieces.” The Redlands Police Department later confirmed that human remains had been recovered from the site beneath the trailer.
Additionally, from August 30 to September 3, 2024, the department issued several updates informing the people of the investigation and confirming the discovery of evidence from the scene, though the area had to be reinforced due to signs of collapse. One update explained how a cadaver dog had previously alerted them to the presence of at least one body in the space.
On September 3, 2024, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office formally charged Michael with two counts of murder under California Penal Code 187 and filed a special circumstance allegation for multiple murders, making him eligible for a sentence of life without parole. He was arraigned the following day at the San Bernardino Justice Center.
For a community built on a shared lifestyle, the tragedy that unfolded at Olive Dell Ranch has left a lasting scar. Once viewed as a friendly and resourceful neighbor, Michael is now the accused in an extremely disturbing criminal case, all allegedly triggered by a single act involving a hot dog.
