SAN ANTONIO – A deadly family dispute turned into a full-blown murder investigation Tuesday morning after police said a prominent elderly man was viciously stabbed to death inside his Far North Side home.
Sources tell Fox SA/News 4 San Antonio, the victim was Edward “Ron” Acosta, the founder of Las Palapas, a popular local restaurant chain.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the 78-year-old victim was involved in an argument with a relative when the situation escalated, resulting in the elderly man’s death.
According to a preliminary report, a housekeeper who was present during the incident contacted authorities just before 11 a.m. saying there was blood all around the victim and that she could not control the bleeding.
EMS worked on the victim initially and loaded him into an EMS unit where he was pronounced deceased. Police say it appears the victim bled out while lying in his garage.
Describing the incident as a “high-profile murder,” Chief McManus noted that the investigation is ongoing but emphasized that there is no threat to the public.
The suspect fled the scene by car but was later located and apprehended in Kimble County as it was traveling westbound on IH-10.
According to an arrest warrant, 39-year-old David Ruiz is facing a murder charge in connection to the stabbing. The warrant states that Ruiz, a California resident, had contacted Acosta’s son prior to the murder, who told him to come stay at the home on Reata Trail.
Investigators say Acosta called Ruiz the day of his murder and told him to come stay at the home. A family group chat confirmed that Ruiz had arrived at the location and a plan was made to meet up with other family members. Sources tell us Ruiz is Acosta’s nephew.
Police say Ruiz was positively identified by Acosta’s son using a photo lineup. Ruiz is currently being detained in Kimble County. No word on his bond yet.
We received the following statement from 100 Club of San Antonio Executive Director Bart Vasquez, reflecting on Acosta’s longtime support and philanthropic efforts:
The 100 Club of San Antonio is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of the founder of Las Palapas Mr. Ron Acosta. He was a longtime supporter of the mission of the 100 Club of San Antonio, helping the families of the fallen first responders and those seriously injured in the line of duty. Mr. Acosta started a yearly Las Palapas benefit to support the families of the fallen first responders from San Antonio and Bexar County which continues to this day. Mr. Acosta personally comforted the 100 Club of San Antonio’s Survivor Families helping them through their difficult times of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and the community during this difficult time.
Check back for more information on this developing story.