Robert De La Cerda, a 39-year-old resident of Oxnard, California, tragically lost his life on June 27, 2018. He was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds around 6:10 a.m. in the 4000 block of South J Street in Oxnard. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that De La Cerda's death was the result of a robbery gone wrong. Osvaldo Hernandez, a 19-year-old Oxnard resident, was identified as the primary suspect.
Hernandez was involved in a series of robberies on the same day, and during one of these attempts, he fatally shot De La Cerda.
Hernandez's criminal activities on June 27, 2018, began early in the morning. Between approximately 3:45 a.m. and 6:09 a.m., he committed three separate robberies. The first robbery occurred in a parking lot on Saviers Road, where Hernandez simulated a weapon in his waistband and demanded money from the victim. The second robbery took place near the intersection of Wooley Road and L Street, where Hernandez used a knife to threaten the victim and steal a backpack containing a laptop. The third robbery happened on Samuel Avenue, where Hernandez, along with two accomplices, pretended to ask for directions before robbing the victim at gunpoint.
The fatal encounter with Robert De La Cerda occurred just after 6:00 a.m. Hernandez approached De La Cerda and another man who were sitting in a car on South J Street. Hernandez pointed a gun at them and demanded their property. De La Cerda exited the vehicle and engaged in a verbal exchange with Hernandez, who then fired a single shot, killing De La Cerda. Hernandez fled the scene but was later apprehended by the Oxnard Police Department on July 18, 2018, following a thorough investigation.
Hernandez faced multiple charges, including one count of second-degree murder, three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty to these charges initially but later changed his plea. On November 16, 2023, Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted to special allegations, including the personal use of a firearm in the murder of De La Cerda. He was sentenced to 32 years and 8 months to life in prison on February 13, 2024. This sentence was intended to hold Hernandez accountable for his actions and provide some measure of closure to the victims and the family of Robert De La Cerda.
