Clues Still Sought in Death of Executive : Homicide: Authorities have no suspect or motive in the shooting of a Laguna Hills insurance company owner.

The shooting death of an insurance executive remained a mystery Monday as police continued to seek clues and a possible motive.

Dirk St. Clair Houston, 54, of Laguna Niguel was found by his son early Sunday dead of multiple gunshot wounds in the offices of his firm, St. Clair & Associates, in a business park on La Cadena Drive near Moulton Parkway and Lake Forest Drive in Laguna Hills. Police Monday had no explanation for the killing. Police would not confirm how many bullets had been fired nor what type of firearm had been used.

“We do not have a suspect or any motives,” Sheriff’s Lt. Robert Rivas said. “At this time, it’s still a mystery. We’re hoping that somebody will step forward with information” about the slaying, he said.

Rivas said Houston had dinner with his wife Saturday night, then left for the office, telling her that he would be working late. Later that evening, when Houston had not yet come home, his wife tried several times to reach him by telephone.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m., Greg Houston, the man’s 23-year-old son, went to the office to look for his father, Rivas said. The young man found the office door open and his father lying on the floor inside. Greg Houston ran to a nearby motel to call police.

“He didn’t use the phones in the office because he panicked, rightfully thinking that whoever (killed Houston) might still be there,” Rivas said.

Greg Houston declined to talk about his father Monday, but a man who had worked for Dirk St. Clair Houston described him as a brilliant innovator in the insurance business and a warm, gentle man.

“He was a very rare individual,” said Doug Fisher, who had worked for Houston for about four years. “He really stood out in his field.”

“It’s a very sad time for the family,” he added. “And now they’ve got to attend the funeral on Christmas Eve.”

Houston’s funeral will be today 24) at Calvary Church in Laguna Hills, where he was a parishioner.

Fisher said that Houston was easy to work for and that he attracted the best salesmen to his business.

“It was generally because he was very intelligent and honest,” Fisher said. “It’s a rare combination. Dirk was a delight to work with.”