Warning: This article contains content some readers may find distressing
Recently released bodycam footage captures the unnerving moment a murder suspect began singing after being shot by police.
On July 9, authorities discovered 77-year-old Ronald Walter Gerdvil and 79-year-old Antoinette Gerdvil, along with their dog, dead and decapitated in their San Juan Capistrano, California home.
The situation came to the police’s attention when a family member called to report that they had received a disturbing text from Joseph – Ronald and Antoinette’s son – who had sent photos of his bloodied mother.
Joseph’s cousin revealed that he had a history of mental health issues and past violent behavior.
Meanwhile, a maintenance worker dialed 911 to report being chased by a bloodied man wielding a fork.
Joseph subsequently made off with the maintenance worker’s golf cart.
Upon arriving at the scene, police encountered a grisly situation, with bodycam footage showing an officer informing dispatch via radio that “there’s a head on the counter”.
Shortly after, Joseph returned and approached a Sheriff’s Department community service officer in her vehicle, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The 41-year-old then hurled a shovel at the car and sped off in the cart.
Joseph parked the golf cart on the sidewalk and, dressed in blood-soaked clothes, approached an officer while holding a metal object.
Despite being commanded to “get on the ground” by police, Joseph ignored the orders and was shot five times.
As officers rolled him onto his stomach to handcuff him, Joseph pleaded, “finish [him] off”.
“Put one in my head please. I beg you,” he continued in the disturbing bodycam footage.
While receiving medical attention, Joseph began singing lines from Tina Turner’s ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’.
Joseph also sang a line from Stevie Wonder: “I just called to say I love you.”
He has since been booked on suspicion of two counts of homicide and, as of August 26, remains hospitalized.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident and confirmed no officers were injured during the altercation.
While the motive for Joseph’s alleged crimes remains unknown, a neighbor claimed to have witnessed him fighting with his father the day before the incident.