A targeted attack outside a California home left a respected physician and his wife dead on Sunday, according to authorities investigating the daytime violence. The couple, Eric and Vicki Cordes, were found shot in the driveway of their Simi Valley residence shortly before noon.
Police said both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds before being transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Eric Cordes worked as a board-certified radiologist for Adventist Health Simi Valley. The medical center later stated it was “heartbroken by the tragic deaths” and described him as a “highly respected” and “beloved” physician.
Witnesses told FOX 11 Los Angeles that the shooting happened quickly and that the suspect drove off immediately after firing. Hours later, authorities located a charred vehicle and a body in Ruben S. Ayala Park in Chino, more than 60 miles from the crime scene. Investigators believe the person in the burned vehicle died by suicide and may be linked to the earlier violence.
Sgt. Rick Morton of the Simi Valley Police Department noted the rarity of such crimes in the area. “We do believe the victims were targeted,” Morton said, adding that additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
Detectives from multiple jurisdictions are now working to confirm whether the two scenes are connected, while the community mourns the sudden loss of the Cordes family.
