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OCSD: Son, 21, Fatally Shot Family In Mission Viejo Murder-Suicide

MISSION VIEJO (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say a 21-year-old Orange County man shot his family in a murder-suicide earlier this week.

Michael Sheer killed his father, 55-year-old Mark Harrison Sheer; his mother, 54-year-old Lydia Ann Sheer, and his 15-year-old sister, Amy, at their Mission Viejo home, sheriff's officials said Thursday.

On Monday, deputies responded to reports of possible gunfire and a man 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," Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

The next day, the OCSD received a call for a welfare check at the Sheer residence, located in the 25600 block of Pacific Hills Road, and discovered the four bodies.

"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," Lt. Hallock said.

A motive for the apparent murder-suicide has yet to be determined.

Anyone with additional information that may help in the investigation should call the OCSD's Homicide Unit at (714)647-7055.

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