A gruesome discovery was made by law enforcement in Southern California, as they uncovered a horrifying scene inside a home. Allegedly, a 41-year-old man was responsible for the decapitation of his senior parents and the family’s dog.
An individual was shot by a deputy from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shortly after law enforcement arrived at a violent incident on July 10, according to a report from the agency. According to a spokesperson from the jail, the individual was transported to a hospital and is currently in stable condition. They have since been booked into jail on two counts of homicide, as reported by USA TODAY on Thursday.
As per the sheriff’s office, a tragic incident of double homicide occurred in the city of San Juan Capistrano, located approximately 10 miles southeast of Laguna Beach.
Authorities have released the names of the individuals who tragically lost their lives in the incident. The victims have been identified as Antoinette Gerdvil, aged 79, and Tonald Walter Gerdvil, aged 77, both residents of San Juan Capistrano.
The suspect has been identified as Joseph Brandon Gerdvil, aged 41.
Investigators have revealed that the couple’s son resided in a double-wide mobile home with his parents before their tragic murder.
In the early morning of July 9, 2024, authorities were called to a residence following a report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival, they discovered a deeply disturbing scene, with the lifeless and severely disfigured bodies of Ronald and Antoinette Gerdvil.
Deputies also discovered a decapitated dog that belonged to the married couple.
Officials have provided an update on the events that unfolded after deputies made a shocking discovery of the victims.
At 7:42 a.m., dispatch received a report of a disturbing incident in the community. According to witnesses, a male individual was seen chasing a maintenance worker, resulting in a bloody altercation. Shortly after receiving the report, deputies were informed that a male had taken the maintenance worker’s golf cart and left the area without providing any information on his whereabouts.
Early in the morning at 7:51 a.m. − A sheriff’s Community Services Officer discovered a male driver covered in blood operating a golf cart near a bike trail exit approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the mobile home community.
Early morning update: A deputy arrived at the scene of a double homicide near the bike trail and encountered the suspect, resulting in a deputy-involved shooting.
Details regarding the number of shots fired by the deputy, the circumstances leading to the use of force, and the location of the suspect’s injuries have not been disclosed by officials.
The identity of the deputy has not been disclosed.
Sheriff Don Barnes described the crime scene as challenging and intricate for the responding deputies, investigators, Crime Lab personnel, and coroners on the agency’s Facebook page. I deeply appreciate their unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for Antoinette and Ronald Gerdvil.
Deputies provided medical assistance to the suspect until the Orange County Fire Authority arrived and took him to the hospital. According to officials, he is currently in stable condition as of earlier this week.
It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation or when his court appearance is scheduled.
Officials have stated that there are pending additional charges in the case.