A California radiologist and his wife were shot and killed in their Simi Valley home on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in what police now say was a family murder-suicide carried out by the doctor’s son.
Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife Vicki Cordes, 66, were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside the open garage of their residence in the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place around noon. Both victims were transported to a trauma center where they were later pronounced dead. The Simi Valley Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the Wood Ranch neighborhood, an area known for its single-family homes in the southwestern part of the city.
Witnesses told investigators that the shooter, described as a white man in his 30s, approached the open garage before opening fire. He then fled the scene in a black sedan with out-of-state plates. Police later identified the vehicle as a black Honda Civic registered to 37-year-old Keith Cordes, who was Eric Cordes’ son and Vicki Cordes’ stepson. Keith Cordes was a resident of Kentucky.
Following the shooting, detectives utilized FLOCK camera systems and license plate reading cameras to track the suspect vehicle’s movements. The cameras captured Keith Cordes’ car leaving Simi Valley and traveling southbound on the 210 Freeway. The vehicle eventually made its way to Chino, California, where it was found parked near Ayala Park.
Authorities in Chino discovered that Keith Cordes had set his car on fire before fatally shooting himself. The resulting fire caused severe burns that initially prevented identification of the body. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased individual was Keith Cordes, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators believe the gun recovered from Keith Cordes’ suicide is the same weapon used in the homicides of Eric and Vicki Cordes, though additional forensic testing is still pending. Police continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the killings.
Dr. Eric Cordes had built a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades as a board-certified radiologist. He worked with both Adventist Health Simi Valley and Focus Medical Imaging, serving the community throughout his entire professional life. His medical training included graduation from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, and a fellowship at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Adventist Health Simi Valley released a statement describing their grief over the loss. “The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki,” the hospital said. “Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years.”
Focus Medical Imaging, where Dr. Cordes also practiced, issued its own statement honoring their colleague. “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,” the radiology clinic said. The medical group expressed that his passing would leave a significant void that would take considerable time to fill.
The killings have left the Wood Ranch community in shock. Neighbors remembered the couple as cornerstones of their neighborhood. Dr. Cordes was well-known in the community for his position in radiology, while Vicki Cordes worked as a fitness instructor. Police have confirmed receiving accounts from neighbors about what they heard and saw on the day of the shooting, though investigators emphasized these statements have not yet been fully confirmed as they continue reviewing witness accounts, physical evidence and surveillance footage.
The incident represents a devastating loss for both the medical community and the Simi Valley neighborhood where the couple lived. Dr. Cordes’ long-standing service to the area had made him a recognizable figure among residents and healthcare professionals alike. His commitment to remaining in the same community throughout his career distinguished him as a dedicated physician who prioritized continuity of care for his patients.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the Sunday afternoon shooting. The use of advanced camera technology proved crucial in tracking the suspect’s movements from Simi Valley to Chino, demonstrating how law enforcement increasingly relies on such systems to solve crimes and locate suspects who flee across multiple jurisdictions.
