Slain couple's son identified as suspected gunman in Simi Valley double murder
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A doctor and his wife, who were shot and killed at their Simi Valley home over the weekend, were killed by the husband's son, investigators believe.
Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife, Vicki Cordes, 66, were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside the open garage at their home on Sunday, Nov. 30, after officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place.
They were both transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Witnesses told Simi Valley police that the shooter -- described as a white man in his 30s -- fled in a black sedan with out-of-state plates.
Using the FLOCK camera system, detectives identified a vehicle of interest leaving Simi Valley and later captured on LPR cameras traveling southbound on the 210 Freeway. The car was registered to Eric Cordes' son and Vicki Cordes' stepson -- 37-year-old Keith Cordes of Kentucky, according to police.
Simi Valley police coordinated with Chino police to track down the vehicle parked near Ayala Park. Police learned the suspect reportedly set the car on fire before fatally shooting himself. The fire caused significant burns, initially preventing identification, police said.
The San Bernardino County Medical Examiner identified the deceased individual as Keith Cordes on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Investigators believe the gun recovered from his suicide is the same weapon used in the homicides of Eric and Vicki Cordes.
The investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing.
Adventist Health Simi Valley released the following statement about the death of Dr. Eric Cordes:
"Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss."
Cordes also worked for Focus Medical Imaging. The medical group released the following statement:
"Dr. Eric Cordes was a brilliant, hardworking doctor, and a respected colleague. He served the Simi Valley community and surrounding areas throughout his entire career, never once leaving for other communities. Our entire group will be thinking and praying for him and his family today. He will surely be missed."
Neighbors in the community are still in shock over their murders.
Mike Hylton, who went to the couple's wedding, described the victims as good neighbors and good people.
"Eric was... a figure in the community with regards to being the director of radiology over at Adventist Health in Simi. He's known by a lot of people, and it's just really sad," he said.
"I didn't hear the gunshots. My son did. He was upstairs, and the window was open, so he heard the gunshots and looked out the window and saw the car speeding away," Hylton said.
