CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

California Radiologist and Wife Found Fatally Shot — Police Say Son Then Killed Himself

Key points: Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife Vicki, 66, were found shot outside their Simi Valley home on Nov. 30 and later died at a hospital. Hours later in Chino, their son Keith, 37, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot inside a burning car. Authorities believe a gun found near the vehicle was used in the killings and are probing a motive. The hospital where Dr. Cordes worked released a statement mourning the loss.

01:59 AM, 12/04/2025Society
California Radiologist and Wife Found Fatally Shot — Police Say Son Then Killed Himself

Police say a Southern California couple were found shot outside their Simi Valley home on Nov. 30 and later died at a local hospital. Authorities allege the couple’s adult son was the shooter and later died by suicide in a separate incident.

What happened

Shortly after noon on Nov. 30, officers responding to a report of a shooting discovered radiologist Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife, Vicki Cordes, 66, unresponsive in their driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. The couple was transported to a nearby hospital, where both were pronounced dead.

Subsequent discovery

Hours later, police were called to a vehicle fire in Chino. Investigators found a 37-year-old man inside the burned car who had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The county medical examiner later identified the remains as those of Keith Cordes. A firearm found near the vehicle is believed to be the same weapon used in the Simi Valley shooting.

Victim background and response

Dr. Eric Cordes served as a board-certified radiologist in the community for nearly 30 years and was affiliated with Adventist Health Simi Valley and Focus Medical Imaging. The hospital issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the family, colleagues and patients affected by the tragedy.

"Our community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague and his wife," the hospital statement said.

Investigation

Police are investigating the motive and circumstances surrounding the shootings and have asked anyone with information to contact the Simi Valley Police Department. No further details about a motive have been released publicly.

Similar Articles

Trending