SON, 20, JAILED IN SLAYINGS OF FAMILY DAD, MOM, SISTER STABBED TO DEATH.

Byline: LISA M. SODDERS Staff Writers

NORTHRIDGE -- A 20-year-old man was booked Friday on suspicion of murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents and 16-year-old sister in their home on a quiet cul-de-sac, officials said.

The arrest of Brandon Menard came about 7 p.m., roughly 13 hours after police responded to a 911 call in the 17000 block of Stare Street, and met Menard at the house who said he'd returned home to find the bodies of his parents inside the home.

Police found the bodies of David Michael Menard, 56, and his 55-year-old wife, Toni Kathleen, inside the one-story house, officials said. The body of their daughter, Ashley, 16, a student and dance-team member at Granada Hills High School, was found in the back yard. All three had been stabbed multiple times.

The couple's 27-year-old son, Scott, whom neighbors said lived at home, was not involved in the slayings, officials said.

``We are searching for all possibilities to understand what caused this,'' said Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Michel Moore, the San Fernando Valley's top-ranking officer. ``This is an absolute tragedy -- an enormous loss not only for that family, but for the community, and is something that is gathering our full attention.''

Police sealed off the entire cul-de-sac and worked at the crime scene throughout the day, releasing few details until announcing about 7:15 p.m. that Brandon Menard had been arrested.

As dusk settled, City Councilman Greig Smith arrived at the scene, wearing his LAPD reserve officer uniform.

``It's a true family tragedy,'' said Smith, whose council district includes Northridge. ``I just came by to thank the police. ... It's good police work that got it (the arrest) done.''

The neighborhood around the Menard home is made up of well-kept homes. Residents said they hadn't noticed or heard anything unusual early Friday.

Mike McCrea, a Los Angeles firefighter who lives across the street from the Menard home, said the family seemed like normal neighbors.

``It's just bizarre. You feel bad for the family, bad for Brandon, bad for Scott.''

McCrea's wife, Kerry, said Scott Menard told them he'd spoken to Brandon just once -- when his younger brother was sitting in the back seat of a police car.

``Brandon was crying and saying, `There's blood everywhere,''' Kerry McCrea said Scott told them.

Two of Ashley's classmates stopped by the house, where their friend used to practice her baton-twirling on the front lawn.

``She was just the nicest, sweetest person I've ever met,'' said Nancy Ruiz, 16. ``I don't know how anyone could do this to her and her family.''

Added Lindsay Edell, 15: ``She was never ever mean to anyone.''

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CAPTION(S):

photo, map

Photo:

Neighbor Mike McCrea, a city firefighter, helps LAPD investigators bring out three dogs left unharmed at the scene of a triple slaying in the 17000 block of Stare Street in Northridge. The bodies of a father, mother and daughter were found at the house about 6 a.m. Friday. One of two sons called 911, reporting the deaths. He was later arrested as a suspect in all three slayings.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News

Map:

Triple slaying

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