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DNA Links Suspect to Gruesome Murder Nearly a Year Later
14 Jun
Summary
- Suspect arrested nearly a year after the murder of a 90-year-old convenience store owner.
- DNA found on the screwdriver at the crime scene linked the suspect to the attack.
- An anonymous tip led authorities to the suspect, who is already in jail.
A 34-year-old man, Anthony Cerda, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the death of 90-year-old Francisco Chura, nearly a year after the crime. Chura, a local convenience store owner, was attacked in his home on Canal Street. Court documents indicate the assailant broke in by removing an A/C unit, then repeatedly stabbed Chura, who later reported $3,000 missing.
Chura identified his attacker before he was hospitalized, succumbing to his injuries 18 days later. The investigation gained momentum when an anonymous tip led authorities to Cerda. Further strengthening the case, Cerda's DNA was recovered from a screwdriver found at the crime scene. Cerda was apprehended while hiding in a crawl space and was already in custody for an unrelated charge.
