ReportWire

Tag: murder charges

  • Three people charged with murder, robbery in October Charlotte homicide

    [ad_1]

    Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Charlotte-Mecklenburg police charged three people this week in an October homicide of a 30-year-old man in west Charlotte.

    Za’Cariya Smith, 19, Malik Rose, 24, and Marquel Coleman, 26, were charged with murder, robbery and conspiracy, according to a police press release Friday.

    The three were arrested four months after the homicide of Graham Stanley Burnell Bennett, 30, in the 100 block of Park Fairfax Drive. Bennett was found lying on his back in a parking lot of an apartment complex on Oct. 18, with gunshot wounds to his chest and back, a police affidavit said.

    A friend of Bennett’s spoke to police at the scene and said Bennett called them and told them someone was trying to steal his keys, the affidavit said. He was identified by family at the scene.

    The affidavit said witnesses told police they saw Bennett fighting another man. The man also fought a woman and yelled at her about having another man in their home, the affidavit said.

    The man who was fighting Bennett briefly drove away in a white vehicle, the affidavit said. Police said in the affidavit that witnesses heard gunshots and saw a white vehicle drive away .

    A woman was at the scene when police arrived, kneeling over Bennett’s body, with blood on her clothes before she walked away with keys into a wooded area, the affidavit said. The woman was later identified as Smith, the affidavit said.

    Police identified Rose and Coleman with video footage from the apartment complex the night of the shooting, the affidavit said. Rose was seen yelling at someone out of the camera’s view. Coleman could be seen following behind Rose, the affidavit said.

    Coleman was later identified as the driver of the white vehicle and accused of being the shooter, according to the affidavit.

    Smith and Rose were arrested Tuesday, and Coleman was arrested Thursday.

    Rose was being held on a $1 million bond and Coleman was not authorized bond, according to court records. Information about Smith’s bond was not immediately available Friday.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Jeff A. Chamer

    The Charlotte Observer

    Jeff A. Chamer is a breaking news reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He’s lived a few places, but mainly in Michigan where he grew up. Before joining the Observer, Jeff covered K-12 and higher education at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette in Massachusetts.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff A. Chamer

    Source link

  • Rob and Michele Reiner’s son appears in court on murder charges while siblings speak of their loss

    [ad_1]

    Nick Reiner made his first court appearance Wednesday in Los Angeles on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents, actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, while the couple’s other two children made their first public statement on their crushing loss.Nick Reiner, 32, did not enter a plea as he appeared from behind glass in a custody area in the large Los Angeles courtroom where newly charged defendants are arraigned. He was in shackles and wearing a blue, padded suicide prevention smock used in jail.His arraignment was postponed until Jan. 7 at his attorney’s request. He spoke only to say “yes, your honor” to agree to the date. He is being held without bail.Jake and Romy Reiner talk about their ‘unimaginable pain’His older brother Jake Reiner and younger sister Romy Reiner released their statement through a family spokesperson.“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said. “The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”The brother and sister said they are “grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”Medical Examiner says ‘sharp force injuries’ killed coupleAlso Wednesday, the LA County Medical Examiner listed the primary cause of death for both Rob and Michele Reiner as “multiple sharp force injuries” as the office released its investigators’ initial findings.The office said more investigation is needed before further details will be revealed, but the bodies can now be released to the family.The cause of death was consistent with police describing the couple as having stab wounds.Nick Reiner’s attorney urges cautionAfter the court hearing, Nick Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, called the case “a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family.” He said the proceedings will be very complex and asked that the circumstances be met “not with a rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions.”Jackson declined to answer shouted questions from dozens of reporters surrounding him and has not addressed the guilt or innocence of his client.Nick Reiner was charged Tuesday with killing Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70.They were killed sometime in the early morning hours of Sunday, the District Attorney’s Office said. They were found dead late in the afternoon in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, authorities said.Nick Reiner did not resist when he was arrested hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles from the crime scene, police said.The two counts of first-degree murder come with special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation that the defendant used a dangerous weapon, a knife. The additions could mean a greater sentence.District Attorney Nathan Hochman said at a Tuesday news conference that his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.Meg Ryan and others remember the ReinersRob Reiner was the Emmy-winning star of the sitcom “All in the Family” who went on to direct films including “Stand by Me,” “The Princess Bride,” and “When Harry Met Sally …,” whose star Meg Ryan paid tribute to the Reiners on Wednesday.“Thank you, Rob and Michelle, for the way you believe in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country,” Ryan said in an Instagram post. “I have to believe that their story will not end with this impossible tragedy.”Rob Reiner met Michele Singer Reiner during the shooting of the classic rom-com, and he said the meeting inspired him to change the film to have a happy ending.Ryan’s co-star Billy Crystal, a close friend of Rob Reiner for decades, was part of a group that also included Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David that released a statement mourning and celebrating the couple Tuesday night.“They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”Rob Reiner has another daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his first marriage, to actor-director Penny Marshall.The lawyers on the Reiner caseNick Reiner’s attorney Jackson is a high-profile defense attorney and former LA County prosecutor who represented Harvey Weinstein at his Los Angeles trial and Karen Read at her intensely followed trials in Massachusetts. He was a central figure in the HBO documentary on the Read case.On the other side will be Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases included the Menendez brothers’ attempt at resentencing and the trial of Robert Durst.Authorities have not said anything about a motive for the killings and would give few details when asked at the news conference.

    LOS ANGELES —

    Nick Reiner made his first court appearance Wednesday in Los Angeles on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents, actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, while the couple’s other two children made their first public statement on their crushing loss.

    Nick Reiner, 32, did not enter a plea as he appeared from behind glass in a custody area in the large Los Angeles courtroom where newly charged defendants are arraigned. He was in shackles and wearing a blue, padded suicide prevention smock used in jail.

    His arraignment was postponed until Jan. 7 at his attorney’s request. He spoke only to say “yes, your honor” to agree to the date. He is being held without bail.

    Jake and Romy Reiner talk about their ‘unimaginable pain’

    His older brother Jake Reiner and younger sister Romy Reiner released their statement through a family spokesperson.

    “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said. “The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

    The brother and sister said they are “grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”

    Medical Examiner says ‘sharp force injuries’ killed couple

    Also Wednesday, the LA County Medical Examiner listed the primary cause of death for both Rob and Michele Reiner as “multiple sharp force injuries” as the office released its investigators’ initial findings.

    The office said more investigation is needed before further details will be revealed, but the bodies can now be released to the family.

    The cause of death was consistent with police describing the couple as having stab wounds.

    Nick Reiner’s attorney urges caution

    After the court hearing, Nick Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, called the case “a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family.” He said the proceedings will be very complex and asked that the circumstances be met “not with a rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions.”

    Jackson declined to answer shouted questions from dozens of reporters surrounding him and has not addressed the guilt or innocence of his client.

    Nick Reiner was charged Tuesday with killing Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70.

    They were killed sometime in the early morning hours of Sunday, the District Attorney’s Office said. They were found dead late in the afternoon in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, authorities said.

    Nick Reiner did not resist when he was arrested hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles from the crime scene, police said.

    The two counts of first-degree murder come with special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation that the defendant used a dangerous weapon, a knife. The additions could mean a greater sentence.

    District Attorney Nathan Hochman said at a Tuesday news conference that his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

    Meg Ryan and others remember the Reiners

    Rob Reiner was the Emmy-winning star of the sitcom “All in the Family” who went on to direct films including “Stand by Me,” “The Princess Bride,” and “When Harry Met Sally …,” whose star Meg Ryan paid tribute to the Reiners on Wednesday.

    “Thank you, Rob and Michelle, for the way you believe in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country,” Ryan said in an Instagram post. “I have to believe that their story will not end with this impossible tragedy.”

    Rob Reiner met Michele Singer Reiner during the shooting of the classic rom-com, and he said the meeting inspired him to change the film to have a happy ending.

    Ryan’s co-star Billy Crystal, a close friend of Rob Reiner for decades, was part of a group that also included Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David that released a statement mourning and celebrating the couple Tuesday night.

    “They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”

    Rob Reiner has another daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his first marriage, to actor-director Penny Marshall.

    The lawyers on the Reiner case

    Nick Reiner’s attorney Jackson is a high-profile defense attorney and former LA County prosecutor who represented Harvey Weinstein at his Los Angeles trial and Karen Read at her intensely followed trials in Massachusetts. He was a central figure in the HBO documentary on the Read case.

    On the other side will be Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases included the Menendez brothers’ attempt at resentencing and the trial of Robert Durst.

    Authorities have not said anything about a motive for the killings and would give few details when asked at the news conference.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Rob Reiner’s son Nick set to appear in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents

    [ad_1]

    Rob Reiner’s son Nick Reiner is expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents.Nick Reiner, 32, was charged Tuesday with killing the 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a news conference with LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell.“Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice,” Hochman said.Along with the two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and a special allegation that the defendant used a dangerous weapon, a knife. The additions could mean a greater sentence.Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones but for our entire city,” McDonnell said.The announcement came two days after the couple was found dead from apparent stab wounds in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. Nick Reiner did not resist when he was arrested hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from the crime scene, police said.Rob Reiner was the Emmy-winning star of the sitcom “All in the Family” who went on to direct films including “When Harry Met Sally…” and “The Princess Bride.” He was an outspoken liberal activist for decades. Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, movie producer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. They had been married for 36 years.Several of those closest to them, including actors Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David, released a statement mourning and celebrating the couple on Tuesday night.“They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”Nick Reiner had been scheduled to make an initial court appearance earlier Tuesday, but his attorney Alan Jackson said he was not brought from the jail to the courthouse for medical reasons and the appearance was postponed.At Wednesday’s hearing, Reiner may enter a plea, a judge may schedule an arraignment for later or the same issue that prevented him from coming to court Tuesday could cause further postponement. He is being held without bail.Jackson is a high-profile defense attorney and former LA County prosecutor who represented Harvey Weinstein at his Los Angeles trial and Karen Read at her intensely followed trials in Massachusetts. He was a central figure in the HBO documentary on the Read case.On the other side will be Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases included the Menendez brothers’ attempt at resentencing and the trial of Robert Durst.Authorities haven’t said anything about a motive for the killings and would give few details when asked at the news conference.

    LOS ANGELES —

    Rob Reiner’s son Nick Reiner is expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents.

    Nick Reiner, 32, was charged Tuesday with killing the 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a news conference with LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

    “Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice,” Hochman said.

    Along with the two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and a special allegation that the defendant used a dangerous weapon, a knife. The additions could mean a greater sentence.

    Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.

    “This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones but for our entire city,” McDonnell said.

    The announcement came two days after the couple was found dead from apparent stab wounds in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. Nick Reiner did not resist when he was arrested hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from the crime scene, police said.

    Rob Reiner was the Emmy-winning star of the sitcom “All in the Family” who went on to direct films including “When Harry Met Sally…” and “The Princess Bride.” He was an outspoken liberal activist for decades. Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, movie producer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. They had been married for 36 years.

    Several of those closest to them, including actors Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David, released a statement mourning and celebrating the couple on Tuesday night.

    “They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”

    Nick Reiner had been scheduled to make an initial court appearance earlier Tuesday, but his attorney Alan Jackson said he was not brought from the jail to the courthouse for medical reasons and the appearance was postponed.

    At Wednesday’s hearing, Reiner may enter a plea, a judge may schedule an arraignment for later or the same issue that prevented him from coming to court Tuesday could cause further postponement. He is being held without bail.

    Jackson is a high-profile defense attorney and former LA County prosecutor who represented Harvey Weinstein at his Los Angeles trial and Karen Read at her intensely followed trials in Massachusetts. He was a central figure in the HBO documentary on the Read case.

    On the other side will be Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases included the Menendez brothers’ attempt at resentencing and the trial of Robert Durst.

    Authorities haven’t said anything about a motive for the killings and would give few details when asked at the news conference.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • David Garcia, accused shooter in Halloween deaths of 2 teens, pleads not guilty

    [ad_1]

    L-R, Kane Roldan and Elias Yanez. (Photos courtesy of GoFundMe)

    An 18-year-old man accused of gunning down two teenage boys at a Chula Vista house party pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two counts of murder.

    David Garcia is accused of opening fire on Kane Roldan, 15, and Elias Yanez, 17, at a Halloween party attended by more than 100 people. Police responded to the East Prospect Street home just after 11 p.m. to find both boys with gunshot wounds. The teens later died at a hospital.

    Garcia was arrested Monday near his home in National City, police said.

    Along with the murder counts, he faces a charge of negligently discharging a firearm for allegedly shooting into the air some time before the teens were shot. He also faces a special circumstance allegation of committing multiple murders.

    If he is convicted of the murder counts, plus the special circumstance allegation, he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, should prosecutors pursue capital punishment.

    At Garcia’s arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Jack Yeh said Garcia showed multiple people at the party that he had a gun tucked into his waistband.

    Prior to the fatal shooting, the prosecutor said Garcia got into an altercation with someone, then fired the gun into the air to scare the person away.

    Later, Garcia allegedly got into an fight with a friend of the victims. When the boys attempted to aid their friend, Garcia shot them both, Yeh said.

    Garcia remains in custody without bail.

    Family members of Roldan, of San Diego, and Yanez, of Imperial Beach, have created GoFundMe pages to assist with funeral costs and support their loved ones. 

    According to the fundraising pages, Roldan’s memorial will be on Nov. 24, while plans for Yanez’s service are pending.


    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Kada Scott’s family invites public to her funeral ‘to join in celebrating her life’

    [ad_1]

    The memorial service for Kada Scott, the 23-year-old East Mount Airy woman who was kidnapped and killed last month, will be open to the public, the family announced. 

    The funeral will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, located at 6401 Ogontz Ave., and be hosted by Meachem & Prioleau Funeral Home.

    MORE: Penn data breach included info about Joe Biden and ex-university president Liz Magill, hackers claim

    “Because of the overwhelming number of people who loved Kada and wish to honor her memory, the family has decided to open the funeral service to the public,” said a statement from the funeral home. “All who wish to attend are welcome to join in celebrating her life, provided they do so with reverence, respect and compassion.” 

    Seating will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. In honor of Scott’s “beautiful spirit and bright personality,” guests are asked to dress in shades of pink for the service. 

    A fundraising campaign that was set up on GoFundMe to cover the funeral expenses had amassed over $23,500 as of Wednesday afternoon. 

    “We are profoundly grateful for everyone who stood by us — those who donated, shared her story and prayed for her safe return,” a family statement on the page reads. “Our hope is that her story will continue to bring awareness and resources to other families still searching for their loved ones. … Thank you for standing with us, for keeping Kada’s memory alive and for helping us turn her light into hope for others.” 

    Scott disappeared on Oct. 4, shortly after showing up to work at a Chestnut Hill assisted living facility. Two weeks later, her body was found buried in a shallow grave behind Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School in East Germantown. 

    The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office report said Scott was fatally shot in the head and declared her death a homicide. 

    Keon King, 21, has been charged with kidnapping, murder, arson and other charges related to the case and is being held without bail. He was arrested earlier this year for allegedly kidnapping another woman, throwing her into his car and assaulting her. Charges against him were dropped in May after the woman and a witness failed to show up to two court hearings, but they were refiled after King was arrested in the Scott case.

    [ad_2]

    Molly McVety

    Source link

  • Missing man’s bike found near blood stains, CA cops say. Months later, 3 arrests

    [ad_1]

    The arrests come after a monthslong investigation, police say.

    The arrests come after a monthslong investigation, police say.

    Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Family and friends searching for a missing man found his bicycle abandoned near “blood stains and spent bullet casings,” leading to a monthslong homicide investigation, California police say.

    Now, three San Jose men have each been arrested on a murder charge in connection with the man’s death, the San Jose Police Department said in an Oct. 10 news release.

    McClatchy News is not naming the men as they have not been formally charged.

    Officers responded to a missing persons report shortly after 10:30 a.m. June 22, police said.

    Friends and family reported a man last seen three days earlier as missing after finding “his bicycle was found abandoned near a creek trail, a short distance from blood stains and spent bullet casings,” police said.

    Officers found his disappearance “suspicious in nature” and launched a homicide investigation, according to police.

    Days after the man’s bike was found, police said DNA testing confirmed the bloodstains belonged to the missing man, “further indicating foul play was involved,” police said.

    Detectives canvassed the area, spoke to witnesses and served search warrants, police said.

    In doing so, detectives identified two cars believed to be connected to the missing man’s death, police said.

    The cars were near where the man was last seen alive, police said, adding that they also identified the three men as suspects in his killing.

    Evidence led detectives to believe the missing man was likely killed, then “buried in the Saratoga Hills area,” according to police.

    Police said investigators got arrest warrants for the three men, ages 44, 43 and 41, as well as warrants to search their homes.

    Two days after the men’s arrests on Oct. 7, detectives, aided by cadaver dogs from the Santa Clara County Search and Rescue Team, found the remains of a man buried near Saratoga Hills, according to police.

    The remains were recovered and turned over to the Santa Clara County Crime Lab and Office of the Medical Examiner, which will confirm the remains’ identity and release the man’s name, police said.

    “This case was as complex as it was compelling,” Chief Paul Joseph said in the release. “Our detectives handled it with care, compassion, and relentless determination.”

    McClatchy News reached out to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and is awaiting a response on formal charges.

    Police ask that anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Martinez #3934 or Detective Jize #4324 of the San José Police Department’s Homicide Unit via email: 3934@sanjoseca.gov and/or 4324@sanjoseca.gov or at 408-277-5283.

    Daniella Segura

    McClatchy DC

    Daniella Segura is a national real-time reporter with McClatchy. Previously, she’s worked as a multimedia journalist for weekly and daily newspapers in the Los Angeles area. Her work has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association. She is also an alumnus of the University of Southern California and UC Berkeley.

    [ad_2]

    Daniella Segura

    Source link

  • Pennsylvania State Police Top 10 Most Wanted fugitive wanted for murder arrested in Pittsburgh

    [ad_1]

    A man on the Pennsylvania State Police Top 10 Most Wanted list, who is wanted on murder charges, was arrested in Pittsburgh.

    According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Daryl Beckett, 36, was arrested at a house on the 1600 block of Brighton Place in the California-Kirkbride neighborhood on Monday.

    Police said Beckett is suspected of shooting and killing a driver after firing over 40 shots from a rifle into a moving vehicle on I-95 in Upper Chichester in Delaware County on Oct. 7, 2023. Investigators said the passenger was injured in the shooting.

    The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia had been assigned to his case. A task force surveillance member reported seeing him in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Police and Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team were requested.

    The teams worked together to take Beckett into custody without incident.

    “Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between the U.S. Marshals Service and Pennsylvania State Police, a dangerous murderer has been captured and our community is safer tonight,” said Robert Clark, Supervisory Deputy for the Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force.

    Beckett has been wanted since December 2024, when the homicide warrant was filed against him.

    Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

    Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Man charged with murder in connection with the deaths of a couple at a nudist resort

    Man charged with murder in connection with the deaths of a couple at a nudist resort

    [ad_1]

    A man was charged with murder on suspicion of killing his neighbors at a California nudist resort, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson announced Tuesday afternoon in a news conference.Michael Royce Sparks, 62, is facing two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of missing couple Daniel and Stephanie Menard, who are 79 and 73, authorities said.The couple was last seen on Aug. 24 at their home in the Olive Dell Ranch resort in San Bernardino County. Human remains were found underneath Sparks’ home after he was arrested last week, following a tense and lengthy standoff.Police have said they believe the remains are those of the Menards, who lived next door.“We know they’re dead, and we know there’s two victims,” Anderson said about the reasoning for the charges.Sparks is set to appear in court Wednesday and is ineligible for bail, jail records show. CNN has been unable to identify an attorney for Sparks or locate family members.Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber said one of Sparks’ relatives led them to him. Hours prior to his arrest last week, a family member called police saying he was involved in the Menards’ disappearance.He “had admitted to killing two people and was threatening suicide,” Tolber said about Sparks.“I believe that there may have been other people that were texted, but the initial call that started our focus on him was from the family,” Tolber added.Officials couldn’t discuss a potential motive for the killings and Anderson said it did not appear to be planned.A couple vanishesPolice had been looking for the couple in the hills and canyon area around Olive Dell Ranch. The resort is between the southern California cities of Redlands and Colton, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.The search began after a friend who lives in the resort became worried for the Menards when they didn’t attend Sunday church service as usual. Their dog Cuddles, a white shih tzu, remains missing, police said on Tuesday.Irene Engkraf, who identified herself as the person who contacted police about the Menards, told reporters last week that she saw the their car sitting “abandoned” down the road from their home.When she entered the couple’s home using a spare key, Engkraf said she saw Stephanie’s purse and both of the Menards’ phones. Then she called 911 and hospitals in the area, searching for news of her friends.A tip led to suspect’s arrestAfter receiving a tip from Sparks’ family, police locked down the resort because they learned that he could be armed and barricaded, Tolber said.Officers had been looking for him for several hours when they used a battering ram and a drone to search Sparks’ home, police said. They located him with a camera used to evaluate sewer blockages, Redlands Police Department spokesman Carl Baker said Friday.He had been hiding inside a 5-foot deep concrete space under the home, which forced officers to remove the front wall of the house, Baker said.Anderson, the district attorney, described the space as similar to a “homemade basement” area underneath the mobile home.When officers discovered him, Sparks, who was armed and barricaded, attempted to shoot himself but his weapon misfired, police said. After “lengthy negotiations” with officers, Sparks surrendered voluntarily, Baker said.A day after Sparks was arrested, firefighters and cadaver dogs found human remains under his home and spent several days searching the site, police said.The search took days because of the state of the property, its potential collapse and the need to remove debris with heavy equipment.Tolber declined to discuss more details about the remains and noted that police don’t have a reason to believe there are other victims.

    A man was charged with murder on suspicion of killing his neighbors at a California nudist resort, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson announced Tuesday afternoon in a news conference.

    Michael Royce Sparks, 62, is facing two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of missing couple Daniel and Stephanie Menard, who are 79 and 73, authorities said.

    The couple was last seen on Aug. 24 at their home in the Olive Dell Ranch resort in San Bernardino County. Human remains were found underneath Sparks’ home after he was arrested last week, following a tense and lengthy standoff.

    Police have said they believe the remains are those of the Menards, who lived next door.

    “We know they’re dead, and we know there’s two victims,” Anderson said about the reasoning for the charges.

    Sparks is set to appear in court Wednesday and is ineligible for bail, jail records show. CNN has been unable to identify an attorney for Sparks or locate family members.

    Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber said one of Sparks’ relatives led them to him. Hours prior to his arrest last week, a family member called police saying he was involved in the Menards’ disappearance.

    He “had admitted to killing two people and was threatening suicide,” Tolber said about Sparks.

    “I believe that there may have been other people that were texted, but the initial call that started our focus on him was from the family,” Tolber added.

    Officials couldn’t discuss a potential motive for the killings and Anderson said it did not appear to be planned.

    A couple vanishes

    Police had been looking for the couple in the hills and canyon area around Olive Dell Ranch. The resort is between the southern California cities of Redlands and Colton, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.

    Redlands Police Department via CNN Newsource

    Dan and Stephanie Menard were reported missing on August 25.

    The search began after a friend who lives in the resort became worried for the Menards when they didn’t attend Sunday church service as usual. Their dog Cuddles, a white shih tzu, remains missing, police said on Tuesday.

    Irene Engkraf, who identified herself as the person who contacted police about the Menards, told reporters last week that she saw the their car sitting “abandoned” down the road from their home.

    When she entered the couple’s home using a spare key, Engkraf said she saw Stephanie’s purse and both of the Menards’ phones. Then she called 911 and hospitals in the area, searching for news of her friends.

    A tip led to suspect’s arrest

    After receiving a tip from Sparks’ family, police locked down the resort because they learned that he could be armed and barricaded, Tolber said.

    Officers had been looking for him for several hours when they used a battering ram and a drone to search Sparks’ home, police said. They located him with a camera used to evaluate sewer blockages, Redlands Police Department spokesman Carl Baker said Friday.

    He had been hiding inside a 5-foot deep concrete space under the home, which forced officers to remove the front wall of the house, Baker said.

    Anderson, the district attorney, described the space as similar to a “homemade basement” area underneath the mobile home.

    When officers discovered him, Sparks, who was armed and barricaded, attempted to shoot himself but his weapon misfired, police said. After “lengthy negotiations” with officers, Sparks surrendered voluntarily, Baker said.

    A day after Sparks was arrested, firefighters and cadaver dogs found human remains under his home and spent several days searching the site, police said.

    The search took days because of the state of the property, its potential collapse and the need to remove debris with heavy equipment.

    Tolber declined to discuss more details about the remains and noted that police don’t have a reason to believe there are other victims.

    [ad_2]

    Source link