Simi Valley, California — The community is reeling from the tragic deaths of Eric and Vicki Cordes, a beloved couple, who were fatally shot at their home on November 30. Authorities suspect their son, Keith Cordes, was responsible for the shocking double homicide before taking his own life.
Officers responded shortly after noon to several emergency calls reporting gunfire in the quiet residential neighborhood of Hawks Bill Place. Upon arrival, they discovered the couple in their open garage, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately transported to a trauma center but succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
Witnesses claimed they saw an individual approach the garage and open fire before fleeing the scene in a black sedan with out-of-state license plates. Investigators utilized license plate readers to trace the vehicle, ultimately identifying it as belonging to 37-year-old Keith Cordes, a Kentucky resident and son of Eric and stepson of Vicki. The vehicle was later located after it exited the freeway in Chino and was abandoned near Ayala Park.
In a subsequent investigation, authorities discovered that Keith Cordes had set the vehicle ablaze before fatally shooting himself. The fire severely damaged the car, complicating efforts to identify him initially. The San Bernardino County Medical Examiner later confirmed his identity and ruled the cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives continue to examine the firearm recovered at the suicide scene, with indications that it may have been the same weapon used in the homicides.
Simi Valley Police Sergeant Rick Morton emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, noting that the department is actively pursuing leads and remains appreciative of community support. Local authorities are working closely with Chino Police to uncover more details surrounding the events.
The medical community has expressed profound sorrow at the loss of Dr. Eric Cordes, who dedicated nearly three decades to radiology at Adventist Health Simi Valley. The facility’s president, Alice Issai, along with Chief of Staff Amandip Gill, released a heartfelt statement highlighting Dr. Cordes’s commitment to the community and extending condolences to his family and colleagues.
Focus Medical Imaging, where Eric also practiced, conveyed its grief over the loss of a highly respected physician. Colleagues described him as a dedicated professional and an integral part of the Simi Valley medical community.
Social media has been flooded with tributes from friends, family, and former patients who fondly remembered both Eric and Vicki Cordes. One individual reflected on Eric’s humor and kindness, while others celebrated Vicki as an exceptional fitness instructor and a woman who embodied warmth and generosity.
Vicki Cordes had recently embraced the role of grandmother, and her students expressed their heartbreak at the loss of their beloved instructor. The couple’s niece shared touching memories, asserting that the world would feel different without their kindness and hospitality.
As investigations continue, the community remains united in grief, seeking solace in cherished memories of the Cordes family while grappling with the impact of this profound tragedy.