SAN ANTONIO – The family of Edward “Ron” Acosta, the founder of Las Palapas restaurants, who was brutally stabbed to death in his home last week, released a statement on his death.
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The Acosta family described their devastation over the loss of their father and their shock at what they say is a failure of the legal system in Bexar County.
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“Our father was a respected and prominent member of this community — a man who dedicated his life to giving back and helping others,” the family wrote. “We are outraged by the failures of the legal system in Bexar County, Texas, and are shocked that an individual from California could cross state lines, travel across the country to Texas, commit the brutal murder of our father, and then be granted release on bail set at an amount that does not reflect the severity of this crime or the profound loss we have suffered.”
The suspect, 39-year-old David Ruiz, and Acosta’s nephew was arrested on the day of the killing. Police say he attacked Acosta, 78, in his North Side home in front of a housekeeper. Ruiz, who had recently arrived from California, had reportedly made violent threats to other family members in the days leading up to the murder.
After being taken into custody last week, Ruiz has since been moved from Kimble County to the Bexar County Jail.
“This decision to grant bail not only dishonors our father’s memory but also endangers our community and undermines justice. We demand accountability and call on the legal system to take immediate steps to correct this injustice,” said the family.
Ruiz’s bond was set at $250,000 during an initial hearing, but the family says it was far too low.
He has yet to be indicted and is still in the Bexar County Jail.