A Doctor and His Wife Were Found Fatally Shot — and Police Say It’s Possibly Connected to a Charred Corpse Found 75 Miles Away By Liam Quinn

A husband and wife were fatally shot outside their home in Southern California in what authorities reportedly believe was a targeted attack.

KTLA reported that police in Simi Valley responded to reports of gunshots at a home in the city on Nov. 30 and found the couple lying in the driveway of their home suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Both victims were taken to the hospital, where they later died, according to the outlet.

According to reports from KTLA, the Los Angeles Times and KABC, the victims were identified as Dr. Eric Cordes, a radiologist, and his wife, Vicki, citing a statement from the hospital where he worked.

“The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki,” Adventist Health Simi Valley said in a statement reported by the outlets. “Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss.”

Cordes also worked at Focus Medical Imaging, according to its website.

The Times reported police said a black sedan was seen fleeing from the area of Cordes’ home following the shooting.

Police in Chino, Calif., said in a press release that in the afternoon hours after the homicide, they found a deceased person lying near a black sedan engulfed in flames. A gun was also found.

“Based on preliminary information, investigators believe the incidents are likely connected. Official confirmation is pending further investigation and final determination by the Coroner’s Office,” Chino police said.

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The person found near the burning Honda has not yet been identified. It is being investigated as a possible suicide.

KABC reported that Simi Valley police Sgt. Rick Morton said neighbors have speculated the killer could have been the stepson of one of the victims, but did not confirm the speculation.

Morton, according to the report, did say he believed the couple had been “targeted.”