Doctor, wife gunned down in shooting outside California home; authorities probing possibly-linked suicide
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The son of a prominent radiologist from Southern California has been identified as the primary suspect in a tragic double shooting that resulted in the deaths of his father and stepmother over the weekend, as confirmed by local authorities.

According to Simi Valley police, officers were dispatched just before noon on November 30, following numerous 911 calls reporting gunshots.

Upon their arrival at the scene, officers discovered Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife, Vicki Cordes, 66, in their home’s open garage, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They were quickly transported to a trauma center, where they succumbed to their injuries.

Investigators revealed that the assailant approached the open garage, fired multiple shots, and then escaped in a black sedan with out-of-state license plates. This vehicle was later traced back to 37-year-old Keith Cordes, the son of the deceased couple, who resides in Kentucky.

Aerial of Simi Valley home

Authorities in Simi Valley are actively pursuing their investigation into the deaths of Eric and Vicki Cordes, who were found shot in their driveway on Sunday. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Neighbors, speaking to the New York Post, claimed a man matching the suspect’s description was lingering near the home earlier in the day. 

One neighbor said he heard gunshots just after noon and believed the suspect appeared to “lie in wait” before opening fire, suggesting the attack may have been premeditated rather than random.

Police confirmed to Fox News Digital that neighbors have reached out to share what they heard and saw that day. Authorities emphasized that these accounts have not yet been confirmed, and detectives are continuing to review witness statements, physical evidence and surveillance footage.

Authorities on scene of Simi Valley home

Witnesses told FOX 11 the suspect opened fire quickly before speeding away from the Cordes residence. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Using license plate cameras and other investigative tools, detectives tracked Keith’s vehicle after it left the area. Police said the car was later discovered burned in another city, and a man was found nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Severe burns initially prevented identification, but on Dec. 2, the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased man was Keith Cordes. Police believe the gun they recovered is the same one used to kill Eric and Vicki Cordes, though additional forensic testing is still underway.

Dr. Cordes had spent nearly 30 years as a board-certified radiologist with Adventist Health Simi Valley. In a statement shared with FOX 11, the hospital said it was “heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife Vicki,” describing him as a compassionate and beloved physician.

Vicki Cordes holding a baby

Loved ones remember Vicki Corde as a “wonderful mother, daughter, sister and a devoted grandmother” who was murdered alongside her husband, allegedly at the hands of her stepson. (GoFundMe)

A GoFundMe created for the family described Vicki as “a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and a devoted grandmother whose love, joy, and presence brought light into every room she entered.” The family said she “adored her husband deeply” and that her loss has left them “heartbroken and forever changed.”

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue examining witness reports, surveillance data and pending forensic analysis. A motive has not yet been identified.

Fox News Digital reached out to Adventist Health Simi Valley for comment. 

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

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