Stolen car critical to solving killings

Authorities said finding a Lexus stolen from a Stanton mobile home park is key to figuring out what happened when a Costa Mesa man and Fountain Valley woman were killed in the park’s office Monday morning.

Orange County Sheriff’s officials said the only thing that for now appears missing from the office of Golden Sun Homes, 12331 Beach Blvd., is the keys to the Lexus belonging to Elizabeth Palmer, 49, from Fountain Valley.

Officials declined to specify whether Palmer and Matthew Francis Scott, 42, Costa Mesa, were stabbed or shot to death in the office between 9 and 10:50 a.m. Monday.

Department spokesman Jim Amormino said it’s unlikely the two were killed during a robbery because the office does not carry a lot of cash on hand, though authorities will not rule out anything at this point.

The bodies were found shortly before 11 a.m., when the business’ co-owner, Scott’s father, entered the office and found them dead, officials said. Scott worked in sales and Palmer had been a secretary there for about 15 years.

Amormino said there did not appear to be a clear motive or signs of a struggle, as things like Palmer’s purse, were left at the scene.

Orange County coroner’s officials directed inquiries about the autopsies on Scott and Palmer to Amormino who declined to release results Tuesday.

Investigators were working to determine if the two were shot or stabbed to death.

Amormino said he may be able to release results today.

Police said someone stole Palmer’s 2004 white Lexus with license plates 5FYP194, and are asking anyone who has spotted the car or has information about the crime to call.

If you have information, police urge you to call (866) TIP-OCSD.