Beloved elderly Inland Empire couple, dog seemingly vanish after leaving nudist ranch

REDLANDS, Calif. - A desperate search continues for a beloved elderly couple and their dog after they vanished after leaving their home on an Inland Empire nudist ranch. 

The Redlands Police Department said on Sunday, Aug. 25, Stephanie and Daniel Menard were reported missing after leaving their home at the Olive Dell Nudist Ranch near the Colton border. 

A friend told investigators they were last seen at their home in the 26000 block of Keissel Road, located off Reche Canyon Rd., on Saturday around 10 a.m. 

Their Shih Tzu named Cuddles, is also missing.

Investigators said the Menard's vehicle was found unlocked, with the keys inside, down the road from their home the same day they were reported missing. Mrs. Menard’s purse was found inside the home along with her and Mr. Menard’s cell phones.

Stephanie and Daniel Menard. (Redlands PD)

Daniel Menard suffers from dementia and is diabetic, Redlands PD added.

Loved ones said they are active in their church and community. 

Friends of the couple say they were involved in some type of lawsuit against the nudist ranch, where they lived for decades. They had also recently complained that they were being harassed by someone about that lawsuit. 

On August 29, Redlands PD was at a neighbor's home, who was identified as a person of interest. Although the person of interest was not explicitly named suspect in the couple's disappearance, the SWAT team and Redlands PD destroyed the neighbor's home after realizing that no one was home to answer to police.

Those with information about their whereabouts are asked to contact Redlands PD at 909-798-7681 or Detective Thomas Williams via email for case number 240032075.