Foul play suspected in disappearance of elderly couple from California nudist resort, police say

As the search for an elderly couple who went missing from a Southern California nudist resort continues, police on Thursday said investigators have come across a person who may be potentially involved in their disappearance.

Daniel Menard, 79, and his wife, Stephanie Menard, 73, vanished from the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort in San Bernardino County on Saturday at around 10 a.m., according to police. Their dog, a small white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, was with them. In the following days, friends have expressed concerns as police dispatched search dogs and a sheriff's office helicopter to aid in the search.

On Thursday, Redlands police said there was potential for foul play to be involved. 

"We suspect that there may have been foul play," Carl Baker, a spokesman for the city of Redlands and Redlands Police Department, told reporters during a brief news conference Thursday afternoon.

However, authorities have not identified the person. Investigators only said that it was Menard's next-door neighbor. Police searched the person's home after some called in a tip to investigators.

"We obtained a search warrant to try and locate the suspect," Baker said. 

Baker would not disclose whether there is a homicide investigation underway.

"While we were here, knocking on doors and canvassing the area, we got information that a person who is potentially involved in the disappearance of the couple was here," Baker said. "We are attempting to make contact and doing further investigation."

Baker spoke from a location in Redlands, near the Menard's home. 

"He does live here," Baker said. "We believe he's here on site."

About 30 minutes later, the window of a home in the neighborhood being searched was bashed out. Tactical police vehicles were driving through the area as officers walked around with K-9 units. 

SWAT teams used their armored vehicles to tear down walls instead of entering the home "for the officer's safety," according to Baker. 

Officers did not immediately find him but believed he was either in the home or on the property. 

According to Baker, investigators do not know if the neighbor is armed. He said the man came to their attention through a tip but gave few further details.

"All I can say is that we got information that he may be involved in their disappearance," Baker said. "We received a phone call from somebody with information that a person potentially involved in their disappearance is here at the park."

Just days earlier, as people in their local community grew worried over the couple being reported missing, Baker did not say whether foul play could be involved.

"I can't really speak to that," he said. "We're certainly investigating every avenue." 

Shortly after the couple was last seen, their unlocked car was found just down the street from their home in the 26000 block of Keissel Road in Redlands. Some of their possessions, including their cellphones and Stephanie Menard's purse, were found at the home.   

The circumstances of their disappearance have led to concerns from friends.

"I just want them back," said Sandy Marinelli, who has been friends with them more than a decade. "They don't deserve this. ... They're just good people. They go to church. They don't deserve any of this."

Marinelli said another neighbor went to the couple's home on Sunday when they weren't ready for church and discovered Stephanie Menard's purse and cane were inside. She also said the TV and computer were left on. 

But the couple was nowhere to be found.

"It was just very suspicious for them to be gone," Marinelli said.

Friends have said the Menards do not get around on foot very well, so it would be unusual for them not to be in their car. Meanwhile, police have said that Daniel Menard has dementia and diabetes, adding to the urgency of the search.

Anyone with information can contact Redlands Police Department detectives at 909-798-7681.