Oxnard Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Murder, Several Robberies

By Agencies
[email protected]

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that on November 16, 2023, Osvaldo Hernandez (DOB 05/22/99), of Oxnard, pled guilty to one count of second-degree murder for a shooting that killed Robert De La Cerda.

He also pled guilty to one count of attempted robbery, three counts of robbery, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Hernandez admitted to several special allegations as well, including that he personally used a firearm in the murder of Mr. De La Cerda.

On June 27, 2018, between approximately 3:45 a.m. and 6:09 a.m., Hernandez committed three separate robberies and then a murder during a fourth robbery attempt in Oxnard. When he committed these crimes, he was out on bail for possession of a concealed 9mm handgun, which he was arrested for on June 15, 2018.

The first robbery occurred in a parking lot on Saviers Road at 3:45 a.m. Hernandez approached the first victim, simulated a weapon in his waistband, and demanded the victim’s money. The second robbery took place at 4:18 a.m. near the intersection of Wooley Road and L Street. Hernandez ran up behind the second victim and pulled him to the ground. He then pointed a knife at the second victim and ran off with a backpack which contained a laptop. The third robbery was at 5:48 a.m. on Samuel Avenue, where the third victim was riding his skateboard to work. Hernandez and two others pulled up in a car pretending to ask for directions. Hernandez then got out of the car, pointed a handgun at the third victim, and stole a backpack and the skateboard.

Following the three robberies, Hernandez attempted to pull off a fourth. Just after 6:00 a.m. on June 27, Hernandez approached Mr. De La Cerda and another man who were in a car on                South J Street in Oxnard. Hernandez pointed a gun at the men and demanded their property. Mr. De La Cerda exited his vehicle and had a verbal exchange with Hernandez. Hernandez then fired one shot, killing Mr. De La Cerda, before returning to his car and driving away. Hernandez was arrested on July 18, 2018, after a comprehensive investigation by the Oxnard Police Department.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Homicide Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The bravery and cooperation of victims and the community in identifying the perpetrator of these gang related crimes is greatly appreciated,” Pollara said. “The defendant’s plea is a fair outcome, and he will receive a significant sentence for his numerous violent acts.”

Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2024, at 9:05 a.m. in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is expected to be sentenced to 15 years-to-life plus 17 years 8 months state prison.

Case: 2018020667

Defendant Information:

Osvaldo Hernandez (DOB 05/22/99)

Oxnard

Charges Pled Guilty to:

• PC 187(a) – Second-degree murder
• PC 664/211 – Attempted second-degree robbery
• (3 counts) PC 211 – Second-degree robbery
• PC 29820 (b) – Unlawful possession of a firearm

Special Allegations:

• PC 12022.53(d) – Personal and intentional discharge of a firearm
• PC 12022.1(b) – Commission of a felony after release from custody
• PC 12022(b)(1) – Defendant has engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – Defendant was armed with or used a weapon at the time of the commission of the crime
• CRC 4.421(a)(4) – Defendant induced others to participate in the commission of the crime or occupied a position of leadership or dominance of other participants in its commission