A Southern California radiologist and his wife were shot to death in their Simi Valley garage on Nov. 30, 2025, in what police now believe was a targeted attack carried out by the doctor’s own son. Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife Vicki Cordes, 66, were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds shortly after 12 p.m. local time, following reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place.
Both victims were transported to a trauma center but were later pronounced dead from their injuries. The shooting occurred in the couple’s open garage, with witnesses reporting that the shooter approached the space, opened fire, and quickly fled the scene in a black Honda Civic with out-of-state plates.
Investigators identified 37-year-old Keith Cordes as the suspected shooter. Keith, who was Dr. Eric Cordes’ son and Vicki Cordes’ stepson, was a resident of Kentucky. Police said the suspect fled the area immediately after the shooting, and detectives began tracking his movements using FLOCK camera systems and license plate reader technology.
The suspect’s vehicle was captured on cameras traveling southbound on the 210 Freeway before ending up in Chino, California, approximately 70 miles from the murder scene. Police found the black sedan near Ayala Park, where Keith Cordes had set the car on fire before taking his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The fire caused severe burns to Keith’s remains, initially preventing identification of the body. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased individual was Keith Cordes. Authorities believe the weapon recovered from the suicide scene is the same gun used to kill Eric and Vicki Cordes, though forensic testing is still pending to confirm this connection.
Dr. Eric Cordes had established himself as a prominent figure in the Simi Valley medical community over nearly three decades. He worked as a board-certified radiologist with Adventist Health Simi Valley and also practiced with Focus Medical Imaging. His colleagues remembered him as a dedicated physician who served his community with distinction throughout his career.
Adventist Health Simi Valley released a statement expressing their grief: “The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki.” For nearly three decades, Dr. Cordes faithfully cared for this community as a board-certified radiologist, earning deep respect as a dedicated physician known for his compassion and exceptional skill.
Focus Medical Imaging, where Dr. Cordes also practiced, shared their own tribute: “Dr. Eric Cordes was a brilliant, hard-working doctor, and a respected colleague. He served the Simi Valley community and surrounding areas throughout his entire 30 plus year career. His tragic passing will leave a huge hole that will take a long time to fill.”
Vicki Cordes worked as a fitness instructor in the local area, and neighbors described the couple as valued members of their community. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the shooting remains ongoing. Multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunfire on Sunday, and police responded to find the couple suffering from their injuries.
The swift response by law enforcement included coordinating with Chino police to track down the suspect’s vehicle and connect the two crime scenes. Neighbors in the Wood Ranch area of Simi Valley expressed shock at the violence that unfolded in their typically quiet community. Some residents reported that they heard gunshots that day, while others only learned of the incident after emergency responders arrived.
The shooting has left the neighborhood grappling with the loss of two well-known community members. Police have not yet disclosed a definitive motive for the shooting. Detectives continue to review witness statements, physical evidence, and surveillance footage as they piece together what led to the violence. The use of technology, including automated license plate readers and camera systems, proved crucial in tracking the suspect’s movements across multiple jurisdictions.
The coordination between the Simi Valley and Chino police departments, along with the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner’s office, was essential in identifying Keith Cordes and connecting him to both crime scenes.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand what precipitated the violence and whether there were any warning signs. The medical community in Simi Valley continues to mourn the loss of Dr. Cordes, whose career spanned decades of service to patients in the area, while friends and neighbors remember both him and Vicki as valued members of their community.
