Man Held in Deaths of Sister, Parents

A Northridge man was arrested Friday evening on suspicion of killing his parents and 16-year-old sister earlier in the day at the family’s upscale Northridge home.

Brandon Menard, 21, who told police he found the bodies of his parents and sister early Friday, was arrested several hours later in connection with the three deaths, said Gary Brennan, deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police did not disclose a motive or the evidence that led them to arrest Menard in the slayings of his parents -- real estate agents David Menard, 56, and Toni Menard, 55 -- and his sister, Ashley, a student at Granada Hills Charter High School.

Police received a 911 call about 6 a.m. from a person reporting an assault at the sprawling ranch home on Stare Street. When officers arrived, they found Brandon Menard outside. He said he had discovered the bodies.

The Menards were found inside the home, and their daughter was found in the backyard near a koi pond.

Police have not said how the three were killed, but sources said they believe the victims were stabbed, bludgeoned or both. It is also unknown when the slayings occurred, but police were checking reports that David Menard had missed a Thursday night business meeting.

“This is a tragedy for the family and the entire community,” said Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton.

That point was echoed by residents in the area, who described the Menards as a friendly family.

Hillard Lewinson, 80, who lived next door, said David Menard was a “quiet guy” who occasionally came over to his place to talk about antique cars, which Lewinson collects. Lewinson said Menard also talked about remodeling the front room in his house.

Lewinson said Menard was quite handy around the house: “He built his garage himself.”

Mike McCrey, 46, who lives down the street from the Menards, said the family’s elder son, Scott, was gearing up to become a firefighter or paramedic. McCrey, a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department, said he often encouraged Scott Menard to apply for a job with the city.

“He is a real good guy, and I wish the best for him,” McCrey said. He said he and David Menard would “talk about his koi pond,” because McCrey also tends to a koi pond in his backyard. “He really loved his koi pond. It was big.”

Mike McCrey’s wife, Kerry McCrey, said she believed Ashley was a member of her high school’s dance guard. The couple would often spot her in the Menards’ front lawn twirling flags.

“She was a real sweetie,” Kerry McCrey said.

“She was your typical 16-year-old girl, doing the typical high school stuff.”

Mike McCrey said he never met or spoke to the Menards’ younger son.

“I don’t know what he’s capable of. I hope it’s not that,” said McCrey, referring to the killings. “But then again, I hope it wasn’t a random act either.”

Police blocked off the cul-de-sac and pitched a blue tent in front of the Menard home, allowing neighbors through once to retrieve three small dogs.

Times staff writer Andrew Blankstein contributed to this report.