The suspect in the brutal murder of neighbors at a California nudist resort reportedly confided in an inmate that the killings started over a hot dog, which he perceived as a cruel insult.

Michael Royce Sparks, 62, faces accusations of fatally striking Daniel Menard, 79, and his wife Stephanie, 73, whose remains were later found dismembered beneath Sparks’ residence at the Olive Dell Ranch nudist community in Colton.

According to Detective Thomas Williams, Sparks told another inmate that “the incident began over a hot dog Daniel Menard had bought for him.” The inmate recounted Sparks’ claim that “the hot dog was a jab at him, making him feel like his worth was only a dollar,” which triggered Sparks’ violent response.

Sparks confessed to going outside and hitting Mr. Menard in the head until his skull caved in. When Mrs. Menard came out protesting, Sparks allegedly continued the assault with a rake, a hoe, and a hammer. He then detailed how he transported their bodies into a hidden concrete bunker beneath his home, where he dismembered them and packed their remains into plastic bags.

He also claimed to have drowned the couple’s dog, Cuddles, in a sink and later discarded her body in the woods to be eaten by coyotes.

During a court hearing, Judge Alexander R. Martinez found enough evidence to proceed to trial on two counts of murder and animal cruelty charges.

Sparks reportedly said he then “struck Mr. Menard in the head until his head caved in.” When Stephanie Menard appeared and protested, Sparks continued attacking them with various tools. He later explained that he hid their remains in an underground bunker, where the investigation discovered their bodies.

Sparks has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

After a lengthy search and barricade situation where Sparks tried to commit suicide, his gunshot misfired. Eventually, he surrendered following an hours-long standoff, telling authorities that the Menards were “in pieces” beneath his trailer and did not need help.