Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife, Vicki Cordes, 66, both passed away after they were found inside their open garage with multiple gunshot wounds on November 30. Now, police are sharing new chilling details about the prime suspect.
On Sunday, November 30, police officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place in Simi Valley, California. Doctor Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki Cordes, were found inside their open garage door with multiple gunshot wounds.
They were transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Simi Police said witnesses identified the shooter as a white man in his 30s, who fled in a black sedan with out-of-state plates.
Authorities identified the vehicle through their FLOCK camera system, and once they did, they received a huge shock.
The car was registered to Keith Cordes, son of Eric Cordes and the step-son of Vicki Cordes. Keith was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The police believe he used the same gun to commit suicide that was used to kill his father and stepmother.
“They learned that an individual associated with the vehicle had reportedly set the car on fire before fatally shooting himself,” the Simi Valley Police Department said in a press release. “The resulting fire caused significant burns that initially prevented identification.”
Dr. Eric Coortes and his wife fatally shot in home garage
Eric Cordes was a “beloved physician” and radiologist at Adventist Health Simi Valley. Adventist Health Simi Valley released a statement after his death.
“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.”
Remembered by neighbors
In his community, neighbors are shocked by the murders. One neighbor, Mike Hylton, who went to their wedding, described them as 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 added.
The Simi Valley Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Rest in peace.
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