Authorities have launched a manhunt for an elderly California couple who mysteriously disappeared from a nudist ranch last week.
Stephanie Menard, 73, her husband Daniel Menard, 79, and their dog Cuddles were last seen leaving their home on the Olive Dell nudist ranch early in the morning on August 24.
The next day, the pair were reported missing to Redlands police by a friend.
When officers began their search, they discovered the couple’s unlocked car on the same street where they lived.
Officials have launched a manhunt for Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel Menard, 79, after they disappeared in the early morning of August 24.
Officers also found Stephanie’s purse and both cell phones in their home.
In case of a missing person Facebook Authorities also noted that Daniel suffers from dementia and diabetes.
Sandy Marinelli, a friend recalled: ‘There’s just nothing. Nothing to go on at all right now. It’s very concerning because this is not normal for them at all.
“I just want them back. They don’t deserve this. They’re just good people. They go to church. They don’t deserve any of this.
She added that a neighbor first noticed the couple’s disappearance after they failed to show up for church services on Sunday.
‘[They] went inside to see if they were okay inside, but they didn’t find them.
But they found Stephanie’s bag there, [her]There was a stick in it. [The] The TV remained on, [the] computer was left on. It was just very suspicious that they were gone,’ she said CBS News.
When officers began their search, they discovered the couple’s unlocked car down the street from where they lived, as well as Stephanie’s purse and both cell phones in their home
The couple were last seen leaving their home at the Olive Dell nudist farm
Another friend of the couple, Tammie Wilkerson, noted that the couple had “no chance” of simply walking away from their car and leaving their belongings behind.
“Stephanie and Dan could never have walked away from that car. She has a cane. It was at home, her purse, their cell phones – things they would never have left at home.
“They’re really sweet people. There’s not a mean bone in their body, which makes this very confusing,” she said.
According to ABC7The couple is currently embroiled in a potential lawsuit against the nudist ranch over alleged harassment.
The couple are also very active members of the Olive Dell church and community.
In a Facebook post about missing persons, authorities also noted that Daniel suffers from dementia and diabetes
The couple’s dog, Cuddles, has also been missing since last week
Friends have revealed there is ‘no way’ the couple left their belongings behind and Stephanie used a walking stick to walk
The incident caused concern among other residents and they were concerned about their own safety.
“I’m terrified. I haven’t slept since this happened. I’m terrified that I’m going to be next,” Wilkerson noticed.
Friends of the couple suspect foul play, but so far authorities have found no evidence of this.
Carl Baker, spokesman for the city of Redlands, said, “I can’t really comment on that; we’re certainly exploring all options.
“We had sniffer dogs from the Riverside Sheriff’s Office and a helicopter from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.”