South OC Times

OC Sheriff investigators have released additional details regarding the double homicide and deputy-involved shooting that occurred in San Juan Capistrano on July 9, 2024.

The victims have been identified as Antoinette Gerdvil, 79, and Ronald Walter Gerdvil, 77, both residents of San Juan Capistrano. The suspect has been identified as Joseph Brandon Gerdvil, 41, also of San Juan Capistrano.

Deputies were dispatched at 7:36 am to a domestic assault near the 32000 block of Alipaz Street. Upon arrival, they discovered the decapitated and mutilated bodies of Ronald and Antoinette Gerdvil, along with a decapitated dog belonging to the couple.

At 7:42 am, Sheriff's Dispatch informed deputies that a bloody male was chasing a maintenance worker in the same community. Shortly after, it was reported that the suspect had stolen the maintenance worker's golf cart and fled in an unknown direction.

A Sheriff's Community Services Officer located the suspect driving the golf cart on Calle Arroyo near a bike trail exit at 7:51 am. A minute later, a Sheriff's Deputy from the initial scene arrived and confronted the suspect. This led to a deputy-involved shooting.

Sheriff’s personnel provided aid to Joseph Gerdvil until he was transported by the Orange County Fire Authority to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition. Investigators confirmed that Ronald and Antoinette Gerdvil were his parents.

Once medically cleared for booking, Joseph Gerdvil will be transported to Orange County Sheriff’s jail on two counts of CPC 187(a) – Homicide. Additional charges are expected before the investigation concludes.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency line at 714-647-7000 or submit anonymous tips through Orange County Crime Stoppers at ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers or by calling 855-847-6227. Information about the deputy-involved shooting can be directed to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office at 714-834-3600.