A Southern California radiologist and his wife were shot to death in their home’s open garage, with authorities identifying the suspect as the doctor’s son, who later died by suicide after setting his vehicle on fire and then shooting himself. The double homicide has shaken the Wood Ranch neighborhood of Simi Valley and left the medical community mourning the loss of a beloved physician.
Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife Vicki Cordes, 66, were found with multiple gunshot wounds at their residence on Hawks Bill Place on Sunday, Nov. 30. The shooting occurred around noon or shortly after, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. Both victims were transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.
The Simi Valley Police Department identified 37-year-old Keith Cordes as the suspected gunman. Keith, who was Dr. Cordes’ son and Vicki’s stepson, appeared to have traveled from his residence in Kentucky to carry out the attack. Witnesses reported seeing the shooter approach the open garage, open fire on the couple, and flee in a black sedan with out-of-state plates.
Using FLOCK camera technology and license plate reading systems, detectives tracked the suspect’s vehicle as it traveled southbound on the 210 Freeway toward Chino, California. The black Honda Civic was later discovered at Ayala Park in Chino, where authorities found the vehicle had been set ablaze. A man was discovered nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though severe burns initially prevented identification.
The San Bernardino County Medical Examiner confirmed on Tuesday, Dec. 2, that the deceased individual was Keith Cordes. Investigators believe the firearm recovered from the suicide scene is the same weapon used to kill Dr. Cordes and his wife, though additional forensic testing remains pending to confirm this connection.
Dr. Cordes had built a distinguished career serving the Simi Valley community as a board-certified radiologist. He worked with both Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital and Focus Medical Imaging clinic throughout his nearly three-decade career in the region. His commitment to the community was evident in his long tenure, having dedicated his professional life to serving patients in the same area.
Vicki Cordes worked as a fitness instructor in the community, where she was known among neighbors and clients. The couple had established themselves as active members of the Wood Ranch neighborhood, with residents describing them as well-regarded community members.
The investigation into what motivated Keith Cordes to travel from Kentucky to carry out the shooting remains ongoing. Detectives with the Simi Valley Police Department continue to examine witness statements, physical evidence, and surveillance footage to piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack. The department has not released any information regarding a potential motive, and authorities continue to gather information about the family dynamics and any factors that may have contributed to the violence.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating domestic violence cases that cross state lines. Keith Cordes’ residence in Kentucky means investigators must coordinate across jurisdictions to build a complete picture of events leading to the shooting. The use of modern surveillance technology, including FLOCK cameras and license plate readers, proved crucial in tracking the suspect’s movements following the attack.
Neighbors in the quiet residential area expressed shock at the violence that shattered their community’s sense of safety. The shooting occurred in broad daylight in an open garage, a space typically considered safe and accessible.
As the medical community mourns the loss of Dr. Cordes, patients and colleagues remember his dedication to healthcare in Ventura County. His decades of service left an impact on countless individuals who benefited from his expertise in radiology. The double homicide has created a void in both the medical field and the broader Simi Valley community, where the couple had built their lives together.