SoCal double homicide found linked to burned body miles away

Investigators released new details Monday in the fatal shooting of a married couple who were killed Sunday in their Simi Valley home. Although a suspect has not been identified, police said a burned-out car — and the charred remains of a man found hours later in the springs — appear to be connected to the killing.

Witnesses reported the shooting started at the home Sunday afternoon, according to Simi Valley Police Sgt. Rick Morton opened fire on an unknown gunman in the garage, where officers found the bodies of two victims in their 60s, later identified as Eric and Vicki Cordes.

“At that time, a black Honda Civic was seen fleeing the area,” Morton told The Times. “Sometime between 2:30 and 3 p.m., we were able to determine that the vehicle was in the area of ​​the springs that was found completely adjacent to a substance that was also burned.”

Morton said investigators sent to the scene confirmed through law enforcement databases that the vehicle was “in fact connected to our double homicide here in Simi Valley.” He said that the man found near the burnt car was badly burned and this incident is being investigated as a suspected suicide.

Police were unable to immediately identify the man due to the severity of his burns, but the San Bernardino County Coroner is scheduled to perform an autopsy on Tuesday. Investigators also found a handgun near the car and conducted ballistics tests to confirm it was the weapon used in the killing.

“I don’t know at this time what the caliber was,” Morton said, “and I don’t know if the handgun is connected to our crime scene until further investigation is completed.”

Although a motive is unknown, Morton said investigators believe there is no ongoing threat to the public “due to the condition of the subject located in the springs.”

The male victim, Eric Cordes, was a longtime radiologist at Adventist Health Simi Valley. Hospital leaders released a statement on Monday.

“The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is saddened by the tragic passing of our longtime colleague Dr. Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki,” said hospital director Alice Issa. “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 go out to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss.”

Morton said the attack was not the result of a gang relationship or domestic violence, and that no other residents were home at the time of the shooting. Police found no history of domestic calls or restraining orders for the couple.

Instead, detectives believe the Simi Valley victims were “targeted” based on investigative leads and information about the couple and vehicle at the scene. Morton declined to confirm speculation that the suspect was a family member.

The murders took place in a quiet residential community in southwest Simi Valley. Morton noted that the city averages about one homicide per year. The community is “very shocked,” he said.

“In Simi Valley, in general, things like this don’t happen,” Morton said.

Simi Valley Police say the investigation is ongoing with the assistance of the Chinese Police Department.