Son decapitates parents, dog inside their home, California cops say. ‘Horrific scene’
A man was arrested after authorities stumbled upon a “horrific scene:” a headless married couple and dog inside their home, California deputies say.
The couple’s son, Joseph Brandon Gerdvil, 41, was arrested a short time after the grim discovery, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 10 news release.
Deputies first responded to the San Juan Capistrano home shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, to a report of domestic assault, according to the release.
When deputies arrived, they found “a horrific scene which included the decapitated and mutilated bodies of Ronald and Antoinette Gerdvil” and their headless dog, deputies said. Ronald Gerdvil was 77 years old, and Antoinette was 79.
Shortly after, someone called 911 to report “a bloody male chasing a maintenance worker in the same community,” according to the sheriff’s office.
The man, later identified as Joseph Gerdvil, stole the worker’s golf cart and fled the area, deputies said.
A community services officer spotted Gerdvil near Calle Arroyo, about 2 miles away from his parents home, deputies said.
A deputy who initially responded to the couple’s home arrived and found Gerdvil, the sheriff’s office said.
Then, “a deputy-involved shooting occurred,” according to deputies.
Deputies said they provided aid to the man before Orange County Fire Authority arrived and transported him to a hospital, “where he is in stable condition.”
Gerdvil will be booked into jail after he is cleared to leave the hospital, deputies said.
He is facing two murder charges, deputies said, adding that additional charges may be forthcoming.
This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 11:57 AM with the headline "Son decapitates parents, dog inside their home, California cops say. ‘Horrific scene’."
