A married couple in Simi Valley, Dr. Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki Schiller, were fatally shot in their garage on November 30, 2025. Police say the killer was Eric’s son, 37-year-old Keith Cordes, who staged a planned ambush before fleeing. Hours later, Keith was found dead in his burned car in Chino, where authorities believe he shot himself. Investigators are examining a long-standing family dispute as a possible motive.
The couple, beloved community members, were remembered as warm and generous. Dr. Cordes had been a respected radiologist for nearly 30 years. Loved ones expressed shock and grief online, saying the couple “didn’t deserve this.” Police report no ongoing threat to the public.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation continues into the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, found asphyxiated under a bed aboard a cruise ship. Her parents, Christopher Kepner and Heather Wright, are publicly clashing, with Heather blaming her ex-husband and Christopher suggesting his 16-year-old stepson may face consequences. The FBI is still determining what happened.
Testimony from Anna’s ex-boyfriend and ongoing custody-court filings have revealed deep tensions within the blended family, including prior concerning behavior from the stepbrother. As investigators work to uncover the truth, the case remains marked by conflicting accounts, strained relationships, and unanswered questions.
