The horrific murder of a Simi Valley doctor and his wife has shocked the community, with chilling new details emerging about the tragic incident. According to a neighbor who spoke to The Post, the couple’s son, Ketih Cordes, carefully planned the execution, waiting in his black Honda Civic for the perfect moment to ambush and gun down his parents in their own garage.
The witness, Mike Hylton, revealed that Cordes drove past the home before staking it out in a nearby cul de sac. He then waited for the garage door to open before carrying out the brutal attack. Hylton’s son heard shots fired and saw a car speeding away, prompting Hylton to rush to the couple’s home. There, he found Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife Vicki Schiller, 66, shot multiple times in the garage.
Dr. Cordes was shot in the neck and head, while Schiller lay on the ground with gunshot wounds all over her body. Despite the efforts of police and paramedics to revive them, both victims succumbed to their injuries. Hylton recounted the heartbreaking scene, stating that he watched the couple die before his eyes.
Shortly after the murder, police discovered the suspect’s burnt-out Black Honda Civic 70 miles away in Ayala Park in Chino. The body inside was badly burned, and authorities have yet to identify the occupant. Hylton revealed that the shooter is believed to be Cordes’ son, who had been living in Kentucky. A dispute over money reportedly escalated into a threat, which tragically culminated in the violent attack.
The community remains in shock over the targeted murder of the beloved couple. Red smears, possibly blood stains, can still be seen on the sidewalk outside the garage, serving as a grim reminder of the tragedy. A small vigil with candles and flowers has been set up in the driveway in honor of the victims.
Describing Dr. Cordes and Schiller as loving and respectful members of the community, Hylton recalled fond memories of camping trips and block parties shared with the couple. Despite the heinous nature of the crime, authorities have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
As the investigation continues, police have yet to release the suspect’s name or a motive for the senseless act of violence. However, they have confirmed that the incident was targeted, providing some semblance of closure to a community grappling with the loss of two beloved members.
