According to police, a 39-year-old man travelled from California to Texas and murdered his uncle, the founder of a popular Mexican restaurant chain.
According to police, David Ruiz stabbed and killed Edward “Ronnie” Acosta, 78, on Tuesday at his upscale San Antonio home. Ruiz is currently facing a murder charge.
Acosta founded the Las Palapas restaurant chain, which began in 1981 with a small 60-seat location in Alamo City and has since expanded throughout the Lone Star state.
The San Antonio Express-News spoke with Ruiz’s father, who stated that his son was suffering from a mental health crisis and may have used methamphetamine.
“I thought I was going to lose him to suicide,” James Ruiz, who married Acosta’s sister, told the Express-News. “I never thought he’d hurt anyone else, especially Ronnie. He just totally snapped.”
The elder Ruiz stated that his son travelled from California to San Antonio on Sunday. Acosta invited him to stay in his home.
According to an affidavit, the stabbing occurred early Tuesday morning as the result of an altercation. Acosta’s housekeeper reportedly saw the stabbing and called 911. “There was blood all around him,” the housekeeper allegedly told cops. David Ruiz allegedly stabbed his uncle several times, and Acosta “bled out while lying in the garage,” according to police.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended approximately 100 miles away in Junction. According to the Kimble County Sheriff’s Office, San Antonio cops reported Ruiz driving west on Interstate 10. Deputies spotted the suspect vehicle near a truck stop and conducted a traffic stop, after which Ruiz was arrested without incident.
James Ruiz told the Express-News that when he learnt his son had allegedly killed Acosta, he texted him and urged him to turn himself in. His son reportedly questioned why.
“David, you killed Ronnie,” James Ruiz allegedly texted.
David Ruiz described his father as “crazy,” according to the Express-News. He is awaiting extradition to Bexar County.
Acosta sold his majority stake in the Las Palapas restaurant chain in 2020. The company paid tribute to Acosta on its Facebook Page.
“Ron was a man of deep faith, a generous spirit, and a true community leader,” according to the message. “His warmth, vision, and work ethic left an indelible mark in San Antonio. Many people knew him as the founder of Las Palapas, but those closest to him knew him as a gentle, God-fearing man who believed in serving others, whether through food, friendship, or faith.”
