Daniel Ray Lerma Jr., a 32-year-old Hispanic male, was found dead in a ditch in northeast Harris County, Houston, Texas, on March 11, 2021. His body was discovered around noon in the 9600 block of Cline Road, a sparsely populated area bordering more than 180 acres of heavily forested land. A homeowner driving on Cline Road spotted his body and called authorities. Deputies responded to the scene and found Lerma lying unresponsive in the ditch.
He had sustained a gunshot wound, and his death was ruled a homicide.
Lerma's family, including his mother Josephine, has been vocal in seeking justice for his murder. Josephine described her son as a good, kind-hearted person who was not only her firstborn son but also a brother and a father. She has pleaded for anyone with information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the need for her son to rest in peace and for the family to find closure. The family has referred to Lerma affectionately as "Baby D" due to his role as a big, little brother.
Crime Stoppers of Houston has been actively involved in the investigation, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, charging, and/or arrest of the suspects responsible for Lerma's murder. Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the community, the motive for the killing remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. Investigators continue to seek the public's help in identifying the suspect or suspects involved in this cold-blooded murder.
The case has garnered significant media attention, with multiple press conferences held to raise awareness and solicit tips from the public. Andy Kahn, the director of Crime Stoppers Houston, has emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving the case, urging people to come forward with any information they may have. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are hopeful that someone with knowledge of the crime will step up and provide the crucial information needed to bring justice for Daniel Ray Lerma Jr. and his family.
