Key Takeaways
- A California radiologist, Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vickie Cordes, were found fatally shot outside their home in Simi Valley.
- The main suspect in the homicide is the couple’s son, Keith Cordes, who later died by suicide.
- The incident is still under investigation, but detectives believe the firearm found in Keith Cordes’ car is the same one used to shoot the couple.
- Eric Cordes was a respected radiologist who worked at Adventist Health Simi Valley for nearly three decades.
- The motive behind the double homicide is not immediately clear, and the police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Introduction to the Tragic Incident
A devastating incident occurred in Simi Valley, California, on Sunday, where a radiologist and his wife were found fatally shot outside their home. The Simi Valley Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in the area and found Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife, Vickie Cordes, 66, with multiple gunshot wounds inside their open garage. The couple was taken to a local trauma center, where they were pronounced dead. The news of their tragic death has sent shockwaves through the community, and the police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation and Identification of the Suspect
Witnesses told detectives that the suspect approached the home’s open garage and opened fire before fleeing in a black sedan with out-of-state license plates. Detectives identified a car leaving the area and heading south that belonged to Keith Cordes, 37, the son of Eric Cordes and the stepson of Vicki Cordes, who was from Kentucky. Police tracked the car to Chino and found that the owner of the car had set it on fire before fatally shooting himself. While burns initially delayed the identification of the person inside the car, the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner was able to confirm that the deceased person was Keith Cordes and that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Victim: A Respected Radiologist
Eric Cordes was a highly respected and beloved physician who worked at Adventist Health Simi Valley for nearly three decades. He was a board-certified radiologist who served the community with compassion and excellence. The hospital confirmed his death in a statement, saying, "The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki." The statement continued, "Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss." The news of his death has been met with an outpouring of condolences from the community, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues and patients.
The Investigation Continues
The incident remains under investigation, and detectives believe the firearm found inside Keith Cordes’ car is the same one used to shoot Eric Cordes and Vicki Cordes. However, the circumstances and motive of the double homicide are not immediately clear, police said. The police are still working to determine what led to the tragic incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the senseless loss of two innocent lives and the tragic circumstances surrounding their death.
Support and Resources
For those who may be struggling with difficult emotions or thoughts, there are resources available. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by chatting live at 988lifeline.org. Additional support can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. It is essential to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed, and these resources are available to provide support and guidance. As the community comes to terms with this tragic incident, it is crucial to remember that help is available, and no one has to face their struggles alone.
