According to the New York Post, Keith Cordes drove past his parents' $1.3 million home in a black Honda Civic before positioning himself to wait for the perfect moment to strike. The calculated attack left Dr. Eric Cordes, 63, and his wife Vicki Schiller, 66, dead in their own garage.

Mike Hylton, who lives five houses away from the crime scene, provided chilling details of how the attack unfolded. He explained that Keith conducted what appeared to be a dry run at 11:25 a.m., driving past the residence before staking out a nearby cul-de-sac to monitor his parents' movements.

Son Waited for Garage Door

The suspect remained in position until 12:01 p.m., when the garage door opened and he executed his plan. Hylton's son heard gunshots and witnessed a vehicle speeding away from the scene, prompting Hylton to rush to his neighbors' home where he discovered the horrific scene.

Dr. Cordes had been shot in the neck and head and was found hanging out of his Maserati's door jamb. Schiller lay on the garage floor behind him, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds throughout her body.

Neighbor Watched Couple Die

"I watched them die," Hylton recounted to the publication. He described how neighbors gathered around as police and paramedics arrived to attempt lifesaving measures on the couple.

Emergency responders pulled Dr. Cordes from his vehicle and performed CPR, but their efforts proved futile. The physician died almost immediately from his injuries, while Schiller survived for approximately ten additional minutes before succumbing to her wounds.

Less than three hours after the shooting, police discovered the black Honda Civic approximately 70 miles away at Ayala Park in Chino. The vehicle had been intentionally set ablaze, and a badly burned body was found inside, though authorities have not yet officially identified the occupant.

Financial Dispute Preceded Attack

According to Hylton, the shooter is believed to be the couple's son, who had been residing in Kentucky prior to the attack. "There was a dispute over money and basically there was a threat and he followed through with it," Hylton told reporters.

The aftermath of the violence remains visible at the crime scene, where red smears that appear to be bloodstains mark the sidewalk outside the garage door. A small memorial consisting of a candle and flowers has been placed in the driveway to honor the victims.

Community Remembers Beloved Couple

"They were very loving, very respectful, to the community," Hylton said. He recalled fond memories of block parties and desert camping trips where the couple would bring their RV. "We used to have cool little block parties. We'd go camping with them in the desert. They had an RV," Hylton shared with investigators.

Law enforcement officials have not yet publicly released the suspect's name or confirmed a definitive motive for the murders. However, authorities have assured the public that the incident appears to have been a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence.

Lessons to Learn

1. Family conflict warning signs matter. When disputes escalate to threats, all parties need to take them seriously, even when they involve loved ones. Law enforcement should be alerted if a situation feels volatile.

2. Know your surroundings. Suspicious behavior, such as unusual vehicle activity or someone appearing to loiter nearby, should be reported immediately. Neighbors can be vital in noticing and preventing future crimes before they happen.

3. Crime can happen to anyone. No matter how careful we are, violence can still occur, especially in domestic disputes. Victims are never to blame, and communities should focus on supporting those affected while promoting awareness and prevention.

Why This Story Matters

This tragic incident underscores how deeply personal disputes can spiral into deadly violence—even in quiet, well-off neighborhoods. It’s a stark reminder of the need for mental health resources and conflict resolution support within families. The story also highlights the critical role neighbors play as witnesses and supporters in the aftermath of violence. Raising awareness helps communities come together to prevent similar tragedies. By shedding light on the events and their background, we can better understand the dynamics of crime involving close relatives and intervene before situations escalate.

Conclusion

Dr. Eric Cordes and Vicki Schiller were tragically murdered in the garage of their Simi Valley home, with their son believed to have ambushed them shortly after noon. The suspect allegedly drove from Kentucky, stalked the area, and fled the scene in a Honda Civic that was later found burned with a body inside. Investigators have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased or release a formal motive, though neighbors cited prior family tensions. A memorial now stands outside their home, as the community mourns the loss of two beloved residents and seeks justice for an unimaginable act of violence.