Houston man gets double life sentence for 2017 murders

HOUSTON — A Houston man was sentenced Wednesday to two life sentences for his role in the murders of a man and a woman who were on a date in 2017.

Herbert Simon, 42, was convicted of murder and aggravated kidnapping of Robert Cerda.

Cerda and his girlfriend, Rachel Delarosa, were on a date at Connie’s restaurant in the Spring Branch area before they were killed.

When they stopped at a Long Point barbershop to use the restroom, investigators said Cerda crossed paths with Josue Casco, with whom he had previously had problems.

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This is where Simon shot and killed Cerda. Then, investigators say, Casco left with Delarosa before shooting and killing her in Missouri City.

Cerda’s mother said Casco lived in their neighborhood and knew her son.

“They come from the same neighborhood, the same community that we live in,” Valeria Cerda said.

Robert Cerda was 29 years old. Delarosa had 34. They were shot with the same weapon.

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“My son can rest in peace… knowing that the killers are where they are supposed to be,” said Daniel Cerda, Robert’s father.

Court documents detailed the attempt to cover up the crimes, including purchases of gloves, trash bags and rope at Walmart.

Robert Cerda’s body was found in a ditch northeast of Houston near the Eastex Freeway on the morning of December 12, 2017. Delarosa’s body was found the previous night in Missouri City.

It took years to solve the case, but an informant came forward and broke the case in 2022. Court records showed Simon was on parole at the time of the murders. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for aggravated robbery in 2004.

Simon’s two life sentences will run concurrently.

“I’m so happy in my heart to know that the person responsible for Robert and Rachel, we got justice,” Valeria Cerda said.

Casco was already in the TDCJ on aggravated robbery charge when he was identified as a suspect in the double murder. Casco is awaiting trial for his role in the case.