News Summary
Edward ‘Ron’ Acosta, founder of the popular Las Palapas restaurant chain in San Antonio, was tragically stabbed to death at his home during an argument with a family member. The shocking incident has left the community mourning the loss of a respected local business leader. Authorities arrested David Ruiz, the family member involved, shortly after the incident, and he faces murder charges. As the investigation continues, community members remember Acosta’s legacy of generosity and leadership.
San Antonio – Edward “Ron” Acosta, the founder of Las Palapas restaurants in San Antonio, was fatally stabbed at his home on July 3, 2025. The incident has left the local community in shock and mourning.
The stabbing occurred at Acosta’s residence located in the Stone Oak neighborhood on Reata Trail. After arriving on the scene, San Antonio police confirmed Acosta as the victim following an investigation. Preliminary details revealed that he was involved in an argument with a family member, identified as 39-year-old David Ruiz, just prior to the fatal incident.
Reports indicate that a housekeeper inside Acosta’s home alerted authorities to the situation after discovering blood around the victim. Investigators found that Acosta had been stabbed multiple times and bled out in the garage. The severity of his injuries ultimately proved fatal.
Shortly after the incident, an arrest warrant was issued for David Ruiz, who had been staying with Acosta’s family after driving from Whittier, California. Ruiz was reportedly invited to stay with the family after contacting Acosta’s son. However, tensions escalated into an altercation resulting in the stabbing. Following the confrontation, Acosta’s son was able to identify Ruiz in a single-photo lineup provided by the San Antonio Police Department.
Ruiz fled the scene but was apprehended a few hours later during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Kimble County. He was taken into custody by authorities and subsequently booked into the Kimble County jail. After being extradited to Bexar County, Ruiz has been formally charged with murder.
The courts have set Ruiz’s bond at $250,000, with stipulations that he remain under house arrest if released. Additionally, court records indicate that he is prohibited from possessing firearms and from contacting the next-of-kin of Acosta.
The tragic incident has prompted a heartfelt reaction from the Las Palapas community. The restaurant chain, which Acosta founded, released a statement expressing their condolences and heartbreak over his untimely death. Acknowledging Acosta’s significant contributions, Wayne Detmar, CEO of Las Palapas, remarked on Acosta’s reputation as a community leader known for his generosity and kindness.
This incident marks a significant loss for the San Antonio community. Acosta was known for his role as a business leader and a man of faith who positively influenced the lives of many. His legacy as the founder of a beloved local restaurant chain resonates within the community, leaving behind a vision of compassion and community service.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a prominent figure whose life was taken too soon. The legal proceedings are set to unfold, as Ruiz faces serious charges in the wake of this tragic event.
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Additional Resources
- News4 San Antonio: Train Incident
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- CBS News: Clear Alert Law
- Google Search: Clear Alert Law
- Baller Alert: Tay-K Guilty
- Google Scholar: Tay-K Murder Case
- USA Today: Hall County Blue Alert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blue Alert
- MyRGV: Brownsville Murder Plot
- Google News: San Antonio Murder for Hire
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.
