Simi Valley community members are reeling from a double shooting incident that claimed the lives of a married couple in their 60s on Sunday. The Simi Valley Police Department responded to a 911 call at approximately 12 p.m., alerting officers to shots fired at a residence on Hawks Bill Place in the peaceful neighborhood of Wood Ranch. According to a CBS Los Angeles report, arriving officers discovered two individuals critically injured from gunshot wounds.
Detective Rick Morton of the Simi Valley Police noted that police don't believe this was a random act, suggesting the victims were targeted. "We do believe the victims were targeted," Morton told ABC7. Both individuals were transported to the hospital in critical condition but were unfortunately pronounced dead later that evening. Adventist Health Simi Valley later identified the victims as Dr. Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki. They described Cordes as a "highly respected" radiologist who had dedicated over thirty years to the healthcare sector.
As investigators strive to unravel the motive behind this tragic event, they are also faced with the grim task of considering all possible leads. One such lead is the stepson of one of the victims, who neighbors speculated may be connected to the crime. However, the police have yet to confirm this suspicion. The Simi Valley Police Department has also revealed that they are investigating a potential connection between the double homicide and a death by suicide that occurred over 70 miles away in Ayala Park, Chino. In a statement obtained by CBS Los Angeles, Chino Police Department officers said they responded to the park, where they found a deceased individual next to a burned-out car.
While the communities in both Simi Valley and Chino wait for answers, police officials have gone out of their way to reassure the public that there are no further threats. Scenes from the incident, including the blood-stained garage in Simi Valley and the charred vehicle in Chino, have been broadcast, affirming the severity of this unfolding story. However, despite the presence of a large number of law enforcement officers and ongoing investigations in both areas, residents have been asked to avoid them to ensure a thorough investigation can take place. A Simi Valley police spokesperson reiterated to KTLA that, although the investigation remains active, there appears to be no imminent threat to public safety.
