HOUSTON, Texas — A man who allegedly beat a 90-year-old Houston resident so severely that the victim later died from his injuries has been arrested and charged with capital murder, according to the Houston Police Department.
Anthony Cerda, 34, was taken into custody on June 12, 2026, by officers from HPD’s Eastside Division Gang Unit. He has since been booked into the Harris County Jail.
The case dates back to the morning of August 20, 2025, when officers responded to a reported assault at a residence in the 7800 block of Canal Street in Houston’s East End neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim — identified as Francisco Chura, 90 — suffering from multiple blunt-force trauma injuries.
Chura was rushed to a local hospital by Houston Fire Department paramedics, where he received medical treatment. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, Chura succumbed to his injuries on September 7, 2025 — eighteen days after the attack.
HPD Homicide Division investigators continued building the case following Chura’s death, ultimately identifying Cerda as the suspect. Cerda now faces a capital murder charge in the 232nd District Court.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive or released further details about the circumstances surrounding the assault. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.
