Dariela Elizabeth Cardona was a devoted mother, a talented hairstylist, and a bright light to her family and friends. The 29-year-old Hispanic woman was remembered for her determination, her infectious laugh, and the deep love she had for her two sons, ages 12 and 5. A dedicated student who earned academic scholarships, Dariela studied nursing and massage therapy before finding her passion in cosmetology.
She worked for two years at a salon in The Heights neighborhood of Houston, Texas, where clients and colleagues adored her warm, friendly personality and skill. Her family described her as happy, hardworking, and loving, a woman whose world revolved around her children. Her father had recently built a small house for her in the backyard of her childhood home so she could remain close to family.
The morning of October 5, 2026, began like any other for Dariela. She and her partner, 41-year-old Erick Von Gerbitz, dropped their young son off at school. The couple had recently rekindled their relationship, and Erick had moved back to Houston from Amarillo to be with his family. But when they returned to Dariela’s home on Lindale Street in north Houston around 8:15 a.m., they were ambushed in the driveway. Police and family stated that Dariela’s ex-boyfriend, David Elijah Herrera, was waiting for them. According to Erick's family, he had threatened Erick the night before, prompting a 911 call. Security cameras reportedly captured Erick telling Herrera to leave just before Herrera opened fire, shooting both Dariela and Erick multiple times. Houston Police and Fire Department paramedics arrived to find them deceased at the scene.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) immediately launched an investigation, describing the case as an act of domestic violence driven by jealousy. The crime scene was in a quiet neighborhood where residents had known each other for years. Witnesses provided a description of the shooter's vehicle, a red Ford Fusion, and one alert citizen was able to capture a partial license plate number. This information, combined with footage from doorbell cameras and a network of Flock safety license plate readers, allowed investigators to track the fleeing vehicle. A few hours after the shooting, deputies located the car in neighboring Liberty County, near Cleveland, Texas. The suspect, 31-year-old David Elijah Herrera, surrendered to law enforcement without incident and was taken into custody.
David Elijah Herrera was charged with capital murder for the deaths of Dariela Cardona and Erick Von Gerbitz. He was booked into the Harris County Jail and, during his first court appearance, a judge ordered him held without bond. According to court documents read at the hearing, Herrera confessed to both murders. His next court date was scheduled for November 5, 2026. HPD officials used the tragedy to remind the public about the resources available for those experiencing domestic violence, noting that it is a significant driver of violent crime in the city.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends, family, and the community gathered to mourn the couple. At a vigil, loved ones released balloons and placed photos, flowers, and candles at Dariela’s workstation in the salon where she had brought joy to so many. Her father, Jorge Cardona, remembered how much his daughter was loved and called for justice. Erick's family spoke out about the danger of jealousy and urged others in abusive relationships to seek help before it's too late. A neighbor who had known both Dariela and the accused since childhood expressed her shock and sorrow over the violence.
The focus for the grieving families turned to the two boys left without a mother, one of whom also lost his father. A GoFundMe campaign was established by Dariela’s brother to help her parents with funeral expenses and the long-term care and support of her sons. As of October 2026, the case was proceeding through the court system, with Herrera in custody awaiting his next hearing. The families of Dariela Cardona and Erick Von Gerbitz were left to navigate their profound loss while working to create a future for the children left behind.
