4 Found Dead In Mission Viejo Murder-Suicide

MISSION VIEJO (CBSLA.com) —Four people were found dead in a Mission Viejo home Tuesday morning in what authorities have called a murder-suicide.

Deputies responded to the 25600 block of Pacific Hills Drive around 9 a.m. after they received a call from a family friend.

"The caller indicated that they would like us to check on the residents that live here," sheriff's Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

When they arrived on scene, deputies discovered two males and two females, all deceased, inside the home.

"We do not believe that the community is in danger or there's any risk to the community, we don't believe there are any outstanding suspects," Hallock said.

Neighbors said they heard popping sounds Monday morning.

"We heard yesterday three shots," Mourad Lichaa said.

"We thought it would have been a firecracker," Amy Lichaa said.

KCAL9's Stacey Butler reports that property records showed that the victims' home belonged to Mark and Lydia Sheer. The couple had two children—Amy, who was approximately 15 years old, and Mike, who was believed to be in his early twenties.

Neighbors said Lydia was a dedicated homemaker who home-schooled her children until high school, and Mark was a business consultant with his own company.

A man, who wished to remain unidentified, described the family as normal and loving.

He said the Sheers helped out at church.

"Everything seemed to be fine. I remember them joking around together," the man said.

"We're just trying to understand and deal with it and get through this," said Pastor John Steward of Mount of Olives Church. "They're very much a part of our life together here and very engaged in our congregation."

Investigators declined to identify the victims.