News Summary
Edward ‘Ron’ Acosta, founder of the Las Palapas restaurant chain in San Antonio, was fatally stabbed in a domestic dispute at his home. The 78-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived. The assailant, identified as Acosta’s nephew, has been charged with murder. The community mourns the loss of a well-known figure who made significant contributions to the local area.
San Antonio, Texas – Edward “Ron” Acosta, a prominent restaurateur and founder of the popular Las Palapas restaurant chain, was fatally stabbed in a domestic dispute at his home on the Far North Side on Tuesday morning. The 78-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived on the scene, marking a tragic end for a well-known figure in the local community.
The San Antonio Police Department has labeled the incident as a “high-profile murder,” reflecting the notoriety of both the victim and the circumstances surrounding his death. According to Police Chief William McManus, the stabbing occurred during a heated argument with a relative inside Acosta’s residence. A housekeeper who was present during the altercation contacted authorities shortly before 11 a.m., reporting blood around Acosta and indicating that she was unable to stop the bleeding.
Upon arrival, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attempted life-saving efforts, but Acosta was pronounced dead shortly after he was loaded into an EMS unit. Reports suggest that he bled out while lying in the garage of his home.
Law enforcement officials stated that the suspected assailant fled the scene in a car but was later apprehended in Kimble County while traveling westbound on Interstate 10. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old David Ruiz, is Acosta’s nephew and has since been charged with murder in connection with the incident. Ruiz, a resident of Whittier, California, had been invited to stay with Acosta after contacting Acosta’s son prior to the stabbing. Investigators have confirmed that Acosta made a phone call to Ruiz on the day of the murder, urging him to come to his home.
Further investigation revealed family group chat messages indicating that Ruiz had made plans to meet with other relatives at Acosta’s residence. This familial connection adds complexity to the tragedy, reflecting a disturbing incident that escalated within a family environment. Acosta’s son was able to positively identify Ruiz in a police photo lineup.
Currently, Ruiz is being held in Kimble County, and no information on his bond status has been released. Authorities have reassured the public that there is no continuing threat related to this case, suggesting that the incident was contained and primarily involved family members.
In the wake of Acosta’s death, community members and local leaders are expressing their grief and disbelief. Many have highlighted Acosta’s philanthropic contributions and his positive influence in the San Antonio area. His legacy includes founding Las Palapas in 1981, a restaurant chain known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Mexican cuisine, which has grown to over 20 locations throughout the region.
Pastor Jimmy Robles and other local figures spoke to the impact that Acosta had on the community, emphasizing his character as a generous individual who dedicated himself to improving the lives of those around him. The loss of such a significant community figure has left many searching for answers and grappling with the violent turn of events within a family setting.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide more information about the circumstances surrounding this shocking murder in the coming days. The San Antonio community mourns the loss of one of its prominent figures, while questions linger regarding the events that led to such a tragic end.
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Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Edward “Ron” Acosta
- KENS 5
- Google Search: Edward Ron Acosta murder
- KTSA
- Google Scholar: Edward Ron Acosta murder
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Edward Ron Acosta
- Fox San Antonio Pinto Street
- Google News: Edward Ron Acosta
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
