Double murder of Simi Valley doctor and wife linked to body discovered in Chino car fire

Shocking leads in deaths of doctor, his wife

Authorities are investigating whether the burned body found in Chino is linked to the shooting that killed a doctor and his wife in Simi Valley.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - A heartbreaking and mysterious double homicide is under investigation after a beloved doctor and his wife were gunned down in the driveway of their Simi Valley home. 

Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and are looking into whether the crime was carried out by a family member. 

What we know:

Officers with the Simi Valley Police Department responded to a call in the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place in the Wood Ranch neighborhood around noon on Sunday, Nov. 30. 

At the scene, officers found the two victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They were taken to the hospital where they died from their injuries. 

Witnesses said it all happened so fast, stating a man walked up to the driveway and opened fire before driving off. 

Hours later, about 80 miles away in Chino in San Bernardino County, a vehicle was found charred at Ruben S. Ayala Park with a body next to it. Officials said the person died by suicide and that there is a connection between the two scenes. Officials believe the burned Honda was seen leaving the Simi Valley house.  

Officials said they do not believe there is a threat to the public.

What they're saying:

"It's rare for us to have a double homicide in our city," said Simi Valley Sgt. Rick Morton. "We do believe the victims were targeted. We'll have more information on that as the investigation proceeds further." 

Couple identified by employer

Adventist Health Simi Valley confirmed the victims in Sunday’s double homicide were longtime physician Dr. Eric Cordes, a board-certified radiologist who had served the community for nearly three decades, and his wife, Vicki. 

Dr. Eric Cordes 

In a statement, the hospital said it is "heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki," adding that Dr. Cordes was a "highly respected" and "beloved physician" known for his compassion and excellence. The hospital expressed condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as they "grieve this shocking loss."

What we don't know:

The relationship between the couple and the person found dead in Chino remains under investigation. 

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.