Edward “Ron” Acosta, the founder of San Antonio restaurant chain Las Palapas, was stabbed to death by his nephew on Tuesday morning, according to local reports.
Acosta, 78, was found bleeding out in the garage of his San Antonio home by a housekeeper, who called 911.
David Ruiz, Acosta’s 39-year-old nephew, was identified as the suspect, sources familiar with the investigation told ABC affiliate KSAT. Ruiz reportedly fled the scene but was apprehended about 120 miles northwest in Kimble County. Acosta’s son gave a description of Ruiz’s vehicle, which was spotted by deputies a few hours after the stabbing.
The Kimble County Sheriff’s Office said Ruiz was detained without incident at a truck stop and remained in custody on Wednesday. He’s expected to be extradited to Bexar County to face charges connected to the murder.
Ruiz, who lives in Whittier, Calif., had reportedly been invited to stay at the Acosta home by the victim’s son. Shortly after he arrived at the house, an argument between Ruiz and Acosta may have led to the fatal stabbing, according San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
Ruiz’s father told San Antonio Express-News that his son had been exhibiting signs of a mental disorder, including having hallucinations and making paranoid accusations, in the days leading up to the stabbing. However, he didn’t believe his son was a threat to anyone other than himself.
“I was fearful that, based on my son’s behavior, he was going to take his own life,” the elder Ruiz told the outlet. “[But] how he ended up going to my brother-in-law, whom he had no contact with, and took it out on him is beyond me.”
Acosta founded the Tex-Mex chain Las Palapas in 1981, which has since grown to 24 locations in and around San Antonio. He retired in 2020 after selling a majority stake in the business to a franchise owner.
“Ron was a man of deep faith, a generous spirit and a true community leader,” the restaurant said in a statement on social media. “His warmth, vision and work ethic left an undeniable mark on San Antonio.”
