What's happened
Keith Cordes, 37, is suspected of shooting his parents, Dr. Eric Cordes and Vicki Schiller, in their Simi Valley home. The victims died from multiple gunshot wounds. Keith's burned body was found in a car set on fire in Chino, believed to be connected. Police suspect a dispute over money as motive.
What's behind the headline?
The case highlights a rare instance of targeted familial violence in a wealthy community. The suspect's connection to Kentucky and the use of a burned vehicle suggest premeditation and an attempt to evade immediate detection. The dispute over money indicates a possible financial motive, but the exact reasons remain unclear. The police's assertion that the attack was targeted and the subsequent arson point to a calculated effort to cover tracks. This incident underscores the potential for hidden tensions within seemingly stable families and communities. The case will likely prompt increased scrutiny of familial disputes and mental health issues, with authorities emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent such tragedies.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Keith Cordes drove past his parents' home before the shooting, staking it out and waiting for the right moment. Neighbors described the scene as violent and targeted, with police confirming the incident was not random. The LA Times detailed the discovery of Keith's burned body in Chino, linked via license plate recognition. The Independent highlighted the community's shock and the police's belief that the victims were targeted, possibly by the suspect's stepson. All sources agree on the targeted nature of the attack and the suspicion that a dispute over money was involved, though no official motive has been confirmed.
How we got here
The victims, both in their 60s, were shot in their driveway on Sunday. Dr. Eric Cordes was a respected radiologist at Adventist Health Simi Valley. The suspect, Keith Cordes, lived in Kentucky and is believed to have targeted his parents following a dispute over money. The incident appears to be deliberate, with police indicating it was not random.
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What are the details surrounding the tragic shooting in Simi Valley?
A shocking targeted shooting in Simi Valley has left the community stunned. Keith Cordes is suspected of killing his parents in a deliberate attack, with police linking his burned body found in Chino to the crime scene. Many are asking who the victims are, what motivated the attack, and how the investigation is unfolding. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this tragic event.
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Chino is a city in the western end of San Bernardino County, California, United States with Los Angeles County to its west and Orange County to its south in the Southern California region. Chino is adjacent to Chino Hills, California.