A 41-year-old California man said "I love you" as he was shot five times by police after allegedly beheading his parents in a horrific double murder. The identified suspect, Joseph Brandon Gerdvil, has been charged with two counts of homicide for the killings of his mother, Antoinette, 79, and his father, Ronald, 77.
Gerdvil reportedly killed his parents at their home in a mobile home community in San Juan Capistrano on July 9. Later he sent graphic photos of their mutilated bodies to his cousin, who immediately alerted authorities, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
According to CBS News, when police reached the scene, they discovered the elderly couple’s bodies, along with their chihuahua dog, 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.)
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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. As a result, one of the officers fired five shots at him.
As the officers moved in to handcuff 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 hospitalised as of August 23.