Simi Valley Couple Murdered in Garage; Son Identified as Suspect

Before Keith was identified as the suspect, authorities had emphasized that the attack appeared deliberate.

Published: 12/3/2025, 3:00:40 PM EST

Simi Valley Couple Murdered in Garage; Son Identified as Suspect — Yellow crime tape blocks off an area in Baltimore on July 13, 2021. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)

Detectives have named the son of one victim as the suspect in the fatal shooting of a Simi Valley couple, authorities announced Tuesday. Surveillance footage and a subsequent suicide led investigators to identify him.

Keith Cordes, 37, of Kentucky, was confirmed by the Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) as the shooter who fatally shot his father, 63-year-old Eric Cordes, and stepmother, 66-year-old Vicki Cordes, before fleeing the scene on Nov. 30, according to the Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD). The San Bernardino County Medical Examiner later determined that Keith died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The shooting occurred shortly after noon Sunday, when multiple 911 callers reported gunfire in the suburban Wood Ranch neighborhood. Officers found the couple inside their open garage with multiple gunshot wounds and began emergency care until they were transported to a trauma center, where they were pronounced dead.

Witnesses reported that the shooter approached the open garage and began firing, then sped away in a black sedan with out-of-state license plates. The suspect was described as a white male in his 30s, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a hat.

Investigators used license-plate reader data, including the FLOCK camera system, to track the car leaving Simi Valley and later traveling south on the 210 Freeway. Detectives found that the car was registered to Keith Cordes. They also found out that the vehicle was in Chino and was found near Ayala Park, where “an individual associated with the vehicle had reportedly set the car on fire before fatally shooting himself.” Severe burns initially prevented identification.

On Dec. 2, the medical examiner confirmed the deceased as Keith Cordes. Detectives believe the gun recovered from his suicide is the same weapon used in the homicides, though additional forensic testing remains underway.

“Simi Valley Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind this tragic incident,” stated the SVPD. “The Simi Valley Police Department extends its appreciation to the community members who provided timely and accurate information, as well as to the Chino Police Department for their assistance throughout this investigation.”

Before Keith was identified as the suspect, authorities had emphasized that the attack appeared deliberate. “We don’t believe this is a random act,” Detective Rick Morton told ABC7 Los Angeles. “We do believe the victims were targeted.”

Dr. Eric Cordes, a diagnostic radiologist with more than 30 years of experience, and his wife, Vicki, were widely mourned. A family member wrote online, “The world will never be the same without you two in it … You were the kindest, most generous and loving souls that welcomed everybody they met.”

This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the United States is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Helplines outside the United States can be found at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts.