STAFF REPORTS
Orange County – A beloved family of four is dead from an alleged murder-suicide in an upscale neighborhood in Mission Viejo.
On Tues., May 27, at approximately 9 a.m., authorities responded to the 25600 block of Pacific Hills Drive to discover the bodies of two males and two females. Orange County Sheriff’s investigators have identified the deceased as Mark Sheer, 55; Lydia Sheer, 54; Michael Sheer, 21, and Amy Sheer, 15; all related and living together in the home. The Sheer family was very involved at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, where Mark and Lydia reportedly taught Bible Studies.
Neighbors allegedly heard gunshots, or “fireworks,” on Memorial Day and in the early morning hours of Mon., May 26, sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of the same and a male yelling in the area near Pacific Hills Road. Deputies patrolled the area for several minutes but were unable to locate anything to substantiate the report. Sheriff’s were again contacted on Tuesday when a relative was not able to reach the family. The two incidents appear related.
According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Department, preliminary evidence suggests that Michael Sheer is suspected of shooting his father, mother and sister with a shotgun prior to turning the gun on himself.
Reports from neighbors, friends and fellow church parishioners are filled with shock and dismay regarding this highly-praised family. Perhaps they will never know the reasons for this tragedy, although authorities are investigating motive.
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.
