Robert Cerda, a 29-year-old Hispanic man, was found shot to death on December 12, 2017, in a ditch near the Eastex Freeway in northeast Houston. The autopsy confirmed he had been shot. Cerda was last seen alive the night before, December 11, 2017, on a date with his girlfriend Rachel Delarosa at Connie’s restaurant; surveillance later showed them at a gas station in Spring Branch appearing happy and playful.

Delarosa was later found fatally shot in Missouri City the same evening, and investigators say both victims were shot with the same gun. Witnesses reported Cerda was killed at a hair salon on Long Point in Spring Branch after going to use the restroom, where he encountered Josue Casco, a man with whom he had prior conflicts. Herbert James Simon was also implicated; Simon was accused of shooting Cerda while Casco allegedly took Delarosa and later shot her.

A tip in 2022 led to charges: Casco was charged with capital murder and Simon with murder; Simon was already serving a sentence for aggravated robbery. Simon was later convicted of murder and aggravated kidnapping and received two life sentences; Casco’s trial remained pending. Anyone who knew Cerda or has information about the events of December 11–12, 2017 is asked to come forward.