Advisory
Media Release: Double Homicide Investigation Update
On November 30, 2025, shortly after 12:00 p.m., Simi Valley Police Department officers responded to multiple 911 reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place. Upon arrival, officers located Eric Cordes (63 years old) and Vicki Cordes (66 years old) inside their residence’s open garage, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately provided emergency medical care before Ventura County Fire and AMR personnel transported the victims to a local trauma center, where they were later pronounced deceased.
Detectives responded to the scene and learned through witness statements that the suspect approached the open garage and opened fire before fleeing in a black sedan with out-of-state plates. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male, approximately 30 years old, wearing dark clothing and a hat.
Using investigative resources, including the FLOCK camera system, Detectives identified a vehicle of interest leaving Simi Valley and later captured on LPR cameras traveling southbound on the 210 Freeway. The vehicle was registered to Keith Cordes (37-year-old resident of Kentucky), the son of victim Eric Cordes (step-son of Vicki). Detectives determined the vehicle exited the freeway in the city of Chino and was parked near Ayala Park. As Simi Valley Detectives coordinated with Chino Police and responded to the area, they learned that an individual associated with the vehicle had reportedly set the car on fire before fatally shooting himself. The resulting fire caused significant burns that initially prevented identification.
On December 2, 2025, the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased individual as Keith Cordes, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While additional forensic testing is pending, Detectives believe the firearm recovered from Keith’s suicide is the same weapon used in the homicides of Eric and Vicki Cordes.
Simi Valley Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind this tragic incident.
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.
We also remind the public that during major incidents, the Police Department will share verified, accurate updates as information becomes available. We urge caution when relying on unverified reports or social media speculation, as misinformation can generate unnecessary calls to law enforcement, hinder investigative efforts, and cause additional distress to the families involved.
Detectives responded to the scene and learned through witness statements that the suspect approached the open garage and opened fire before fleeing in a black sedan with out-of-state plates. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male, approximately 30 years old, wearing dark clothing and a hat.
Using investigative resources, including the FLOCK camera system, Detectives identified a vehicle of interest leaving Simi Valley and later captured on LPR cameras traveling southbound on the 210 Freeway. The vehicle was registered to Keith Cordes (37-year-old resident of Kentucky), the son of victim Eric Cordes (step-son of Vicki). Detectives determined the vehicle exited the freeway in the city of Chino and was parked near Ayala Park. As Simi Valley Detectives coordinated with Chino Police and responded to the area, they learned that an individual associated with the vehicle had reportedly set the car on fire before fatally shooting himself. The resulting fire caused significant burns that initially prevented identification.
On December 2, 2025, the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased individual as Keith Cordes, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While additional forensic testing is pending, Detectives believe the firearm recovered from Keith’s suicide is the same weapon used in the homicides of Eric and Vicki Cordes.
Simi Valley Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind this tragic incident.
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.
We also remind the public that during major incidents, the Police Department will share verified, accurate updates as information becomes available. We urge caution when relying on unverified reports or social media speculation, as misinformation can generate unnecessary calls to law enforcement, hinder investigative efforts, and cause additional distress to the families involved.
Address/Location
Simi Valley Police Department
3901 Alamo St
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-583-6950