Crime & Safety
Deputies: 21-Year-Old Son Killed Mission Viejo Family
Michael Sheer is suspected of shooting his father, mother and sister with a shotgun before turning the gun on himself.
A 21-year-old man killed his mother, father and sister in Mission Viejo on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
The four bodies were found Tuesday in a home in the Pacific Hills tract. The family was identified by the pastor at Mount Olives Lutheran Church and head of family Mark Sheer was said to have been very involved with church life.
Here's the release in full:
On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, Orange County Sheriff’s investigators initiated an investigation following the discovery of four bodies inside the residence located at 25601 Pacific Hills Road in the city of Mission Viejo. The preliminary investigation indicated the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide. The deceased have been identified as Mark Harrison SHEER, 55; Lydia Ann SHEER, 54; Michael Harrison Davis SHEER, 21; and Amy Joanne SHEER, 15, all of whom resided in the city of Mission Viejo. Each of the victims were related and lived at the residence on Pacific Hills Road.
In the early morning hours of Monday, May 26, 2014, sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of possible gun shots and a male yelling in the area near Pacific Hills Road, Mission Viejo. Deputies patrolled the area for several minutes but were unable to locate anything to substantiate the report. Following the preliminary death investigation by the Coroner Division, this report appears consistent with the estimated time of death; however, autopsies are still pending.
On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, sheriff’s deputies responded to 25601 Pacific Hills Road at the request of a relative who located the deceased. An investigation immediately ensued in an attempt to gather information and evidence from inside the residence. Based on the preliminary investigation and evidence located inside the residence, Michael Sheer, 21, is suspected of shooting his father, mother and sister with a shotgun before turning the gun on himself. The investigation is ongoing and a motive for the apparent murder-suicide has yet to be determined.
Find out what's happening in Mission Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
No further information regarding the investigation or evidence located at the scene will be released.
Find out what's happening in Mission Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Anyone with additional information that may assist in the investigation is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit at 714-647-7055. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org
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