Key Takeaways
- A beloved radiologist, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki, were shot dead in a "targeted" double murder at their California home.
- The couple, both in their 60s, were found with gunshot wounds in their driveway and were pronounced dead several hours later.
- Police believe the shooting was not a random act and that the victims were targeted.
- A possible suspect, who may be the stepson of one of the victims, has been identified, but police have yet to confirm this theory.
- A suicide in Chino, 75 miles east, may be connected to the double homicide, with a car matching the description of the getaway vehicle found with a deceased person inside.
Introduction to the Tragedy
A devastating double murder has shaken the community of Simi Valley, California, after a renowned radiologist and his wife were shot dead in their upscale home. Dr. Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki, were found with gunshot wounds in their driveway on Sunday afternoon, and despite being taken to a nearby hospital, they were pronounced dead several hours later. The news of their tragic death has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many paying tribute to the beloved couple.
The Investigation
The Simi Valley Police Department is currently investigating the double homicide, with Detective Rick Morton stating that they do not believe the shooting was a random act. "We don’t believe this is a random act," Morton said. "We do believe the victims were targeted." The police are exploring various leads, including a possible suspect who may be the stepson of one of the victims. However, this theory has yet to be confirmed. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to piece together the events surrounding the tragic incident.
The Victims
Dr. Eric Cordes was a highly respected and beloved physician who had served the community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years. His former employer, Adventist Health Simi Valley, released a statement paying tribute to his dedication and service. "Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years," the statement read. "Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss." The couple’s neighbors have also been left reeling from the news, with many describing Dr. Cordes as a kind and caring individual who was well-known in the community.
Possible Connection to a Suicide
In a bizarre twist, a suicide in Chino, approximately 75 miles east of Simi Valley, may be connected to the double homicide. A car matching the description of the getaway vehicle was found with a deceased person inside, who had died by an apparent suicide. The police are investigating this incident, and while the deceased individual has not yet been identified, it is believed that they may be linked to the double murder. The discovery of the car and the deceased person has raised more questions than answers, and the police are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Community Reaction
The news of the double murder has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many expressing their condolences to the family and friends of the victims. The couple’s neighbors have been left stunned by the tragedy, with many describing the area as a quiet and safe neighborhood. Mike Hylton, who attended the couple’s wedding, described Dr. Cordes as a "figure in the community" who was known by many 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. The community is coming together to support the family and friends of the victims, and a full investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
