HOUSTON — A Houston man was given two life sentences Wednesday for his role in the killing of a man and a woman who were on a date in 2017.
Herbert Simon, 42, was found guilty of murder and aggravated kidnapping of Robert Cerda.
Cerda and his girlfriend, Rachel Delarosa, were out on a date at Connie's restaurant in the Spring Branch area before they were killed.
When they stopped at a hair salon on Long Point to use the bathroom, investigators said Cerda crossed paths with Josue Casco, with whom he had previous problems.
That's where Simon shot and killed Cerda. Then, investigators said, 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 are from the same neighborhood, the same community we live in," Valeria Cerda said.
Robert Cerda was 29. Delarosa was 34. They were shot with the same gun.
"My son can rest in peace ... knowing that the killers are where they're supposed to be," Daniel Cerda, Robert's father, said.
Court documents detailed the attempt to cover up the crimes, including Walmart purchases for gloves, trash bags and rope.
Robert Cerda's body was found in a northeast Houston ditch near the Eastex Freeway on the morning of Dec. 12, 2017. Delarosa's body was found the night before in Missouri City.
It took years to solve the case, but a tipster came forward and broke the case open in 2022. Court records showed that Simon was on parole at the time of the murders. He had been sentenced to 25 years for aggravated robbery in 2004.
Simon's two life sentences will run concurrently.
"I am so pleased in my heart knowing that the person that was responsible for Robert and Rachel, we've got some justice," Valeria Cerda said.
Casco was already in TDCJ for aggravated robbery when he was identified as a suspect in the double murder. Casco is awaiting trial for his part in the case.