Full Breakdown
Double Homicide in Simi Valley: Dr. Eric Cordes and Wife Vicki Identified
12/2/2025, 1:33:54 AM
Incident Overview
On Sunday, November 30, 2023, Dr. Eric Cordes, a board-certified radiologist, and his wife, Vicki, were fatally shot outside their home in Simi Valley, California. The couple, both in their 60s, were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in the garage of their residence on Hawks Bill Place shortly after noon. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, they succumbed to their injuries.
Investigation Details
Simi Valley police have classified the shooting as a targeted attack, with no immediate threat to the public. Authorities believe the assailant fled the scene in a vehicle, which was later found burned in Chino, approximately 70 miles away. A deceased individual was discovered near the vehicle, and police suspect a connection between this death and the double homicide. Simi Valley Detective Sergeant Rick Morton stated, “We don’t believe this is a random act. We do believe the victims were targeted.”
Witnesses reported seeing a man exit a vehicle and open fire before escaping. While police have not confirmed any suspects, speculation among neighbors suggests that the shooter may be a family member, possibly the stepson of one of the victims. However, this lead remains unverified.
Community Response
Adventist Health Simi Valley, where Dr. Cordes worked for nearly 30 years, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. In a statement, the organization described Dr. Cordes as a “highly respected” and “beloved physician” who served the community with compassion and excellence. The hospital extended condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragedy.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief, recalling the couple as good people who were well-liked in the community. Mike Hylton, a neighbor who attended the couple's wedding, described them as exemplary members of the neighborhood.
Criticism & Opposition
While the investigation is ongoing, some community members have raised concerns about the safety of the area, given the rarity of such violent incidents in Simi Valley. Sergeant Morton acknowledged the unusual nature of a double homicide in the city, stating, “It’s rare for us to have a double homicide in our city.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of the deceased found in Chino. While police believe the two incidents are linked, further information is needed to clarify the relationship between the victims and the individual found at the scene of the vehicle fire.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss.” — Adventist Health Simi Valley
- “We do believe the victims were targeted.” — Simi Valley Det. Sgt. Rick Morton
- “It's rare for us to have a double homicide in our city,” — Simi Valley Det. Sgt. Rick Morton
As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to uncover the motives behind this tragic event and to identify any potential suspects involved in the shooting.
