An elderly couple in Orange County were found decapitated and mutilated in their home, and authorities have charged their son with homicide.
Southern California deputies faced a grim discovery earlier this week. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department arrived at a San Juan Capistrano home following a report about a domestic assault. What they found was a horrifyingly tragic scene.
At this site, the bodies of Ronald Gerdvil, 77, and Antoinette Gerdvil, 79, were found decapitated and mutilated. Disturbingly, their beloved Chihuahua was also found decapitated.
Shortly after, a man covered in blood was seen chasing a maintenance worker in the same neighborhood. He reportedly stole a golf cart and attempted to flee the area. Investigators soon identified this man as the prime suspect.
Before 8 a.m., deputies caught sight of the man commandeering the golf cart near a bike trail. Upon attempting to engage with him, a deputy shot the man and provided first aid until emergency personnel arrived. He was arrested and taken to a hospital.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 41-year-old Joseph Gerdvil, the son of the deceased couple. He remains in stable condition and is expected to be transferred to the Orange County Sheriff’s jail after being medically cleared.
Residents of the San Juan Capistrano community expressed their shock and sorrow over the tragic incident. One neighbor, Tammy Pavese, remarked how Antoinette and her dog were familiar faces in the neighborhood, often seen walking together.
Susan Hardwegg, the local park manager, shared affectionate memories of Antoinette’s friendly demeanor and regular chats with neighbors.
Victoria Alford, another neighbor, shared the community’s grief: “They were a very sweet couple. The fact that such a tragic end came at the hands of their own son is beyond comprehension.”
As the investigation progresses, the sheriff’s department has confirmed that Joseph Gerdvil faces two counts of homicide, with additional charges likely to follow.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will carry out a thorough investigation of the deputy-involved shooting. Body camera footage from the incident is expected to be released in due course.
As it stands, it is unclear if Joseph Gerdvil has legal representation at this time.
