Son Suspected in Parents’ Shooting in Simi Valley

The son of a well-known radiologist in Southern California is believed to be the shooter in a recent incident that led to the deaths of his father and stepmother, according to police.

Authorities received several 911 calls reporting gunfire around noon on November 30. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife, Vicki Cordes, 66, with multiple gunshot wounds in the garage of their home. Both were transported to a trauma center but unfortunately did not survive.

Investigators indicated that the shooter approached the open garage, fired at the couple, and then drove away in a black sedan registered to their son, Keith Cordes, 37, who is from Kentucky.

Neighbors reported seeing a man resembling the suspect loitering near the residence earlier that day. One witness mentioned hearing gunshots shortly after noon and suggested the shooting may have been premeditated, indicating that the suspect seemed to be lying in wait.

Police noted that they are assessing witness accounts, physical evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage to gain further insight into the event.

Using license plate recognition technology, detectives tracked Keith’s car after it left the area. They later found the vehicle burned in a different location. A man was discovered nearby, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Initially unidentifiable due to the burns, the San Bernardino County Coroner later confirmed the man was Keith Cordes. Authorities believe the weapon recovered at this scene is linked to the shooting of Eric and Vicki Cordes, but forensic tests are still pending.

Dr. Eric Cordes had a nearly 30-year career as a board-certified radiologist at Adventist Health Simi Valley. The hospital expressed its sorrow over the loss, highlighting that he was a compassionate and beloved physician.

A GoFundMe page created for Vicki described her as a devoted mother and grandmother whose warm presence brightened the lives of those around her. Her family expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that she loved her husband immensely.

As the investigation unfolds, detectives are continuing to analyze witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic data. A motive for the shooting has not yet been established.