Suspect Accused of Breaking Into 90-Year-Old Man’s Home and Stabbing Him to Death with a Screwdriver
Suspect accused of breaking into 90 year – A suspect accused of breaking into a 90-year-old man’s home and stabbing him to death with a screwdriver has been formally charged with murder. The incident, which shocked the Houston community, has sparked questions about the motives behind the attack and the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life.
The Crime and Its Aftermath
Anthony Cerda, 34, was arrested on Friday by Houston Police for the murder of Francisco Chura, a 90-year-old man who died in September 2025 following the attack. According to authorities, Chura was discovered with multiple blunt force trauma wounds on August 20, 2025, and was initially taken to the hospital. However, his condition deteriorated over the following weeks, resulting in his death on September 7. The murder occurred in a home owned by Chura, which was also connected to a convenience store he operated for decades.
Law & Crimereported that the probable cause arrest affidavit detailed the suspect’s actions during the attack. Chura was allegedly asleep when the suspect, identified as Cerda, entered his home. The account describes how Cerda reportedly jumped on top of Chura, delivering repeated punches before stabbing him with a screwdriver. The victim, known to his neighbors as “Pancho,” allegedly played dead after the attack to avoid further harm until the suspect fled the scene.
Evidence and Testimony
Investigators uncovered several critical pieces of evidence at the crime scene, including blood-soaked bed sheets, a bent and bloodied screwdriver, and an open safe that appeared to have been ransacked. Chura claimed that approximately $3,000 in cash was missing from the safe, suggesting a possible motive of robbery. The presence of the suspect’s DNA on the weapon, confirmed by lab results earlier this month, strengthens the case against Cerda.
Neighbors and community members have shared their reactions to the crime. “Everybody knew him. Everybody grew up with him,” said one resident of Chura’s neighborhood, speaking to ABC13. “Everybody was surprised when that happened.” The suspect’s alleged connection to the victim was further highlighted by the testimony of a neighbor who claimed to have seen a man with long hair—matching Cerda’s description—hiding in a crawl space near Chura’s home about two months after the attack. This man was identified as Cerda’s nephew, who reportedly had a history of borrowing money from Chura.
Additional testimony from a local man revealed that Chura had mentioned the suspect to him the night before the attack. The victim stated he had given money to an unidentified individual who later returned to demand more. Chura reportedly refused, setting the stage for the subsequent confrontation. This detail, combined with the physical evidence, has been central to the case against Cerda.
Cerda’s alleged confession also emerged during an encounter with a friend. The man claimed Cerda admitted to the murder while under the influence of drugs. This admission, though unverified, adds to the body of evidence presented in the affidavit. The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of elderly individuals in isolated neighborhoods and the role of financial disputes in violent crimes.
With the suspect now facing murder charges, the investigation continues to uncover more about the events that unfolded in Chura’s home. The case not only highlights the brutality of the attack but also underscores the importance of neighborhood vigilance and the role of witness testimony in solving such crimes. As the legal proceedings progress, the community remains on edge, reflecting on the life of a man who was once a familiar presence in their daily routines.
