A 41-year-old California man expressed “I love you” as police shot him five times after he allegedly beheaded his parents in a horrific double murder. The suspect, Joseph Brandon Gerdvil, faces two counts of homicide for killing his mother, Antoinette, 79, and his father, Ronald, 77. Gerdvil reportedly committed the murders at their home in a mobile home community in San Juan Capistrano on July 9. He then sent graphic photos of their mutilated bodies to his cousin, who immediately alerted authorities, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the elderly couple’s bodies, along with their Chihuahua, inside the mobile home. One of the victim’s heads had been placed on a counter.
(Trigger warning: This video clip contains distressing visuals. Viewer discretion is advised.)
41-year-old Joseph Gerdvil was shot by police after killing his parents and dog, then approaching the responding officer with a metal object in his hand in San Juan Capistrano, California. After being shot, he tells the officer he loves them and requests they “finish him off.”
Gerdvil was later found driving a golf cart on a bike path, where he threw a shovel at a police vehicle. Eventually, officers cornered him, and body camera footage shows him wearing blood-soaked clothing and holding a metal water meter. Despite repeated orders to drop the weapon, Gerdvil charged at the officers. One of the officers then fired five shots at him.
As the officers moved in to handcuff the wounded Gerdvil, he said, “I love you,” “I’m sorry you’re going to have to die,” and “Just finish me off… Put one in my head, please. I beg of you.” Later, he began singing while deputies treated his wounds. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition. He was charged with two counts of homicide and remains hospitalized as of August 23.
