News Summary
Edward ‘Ron’ Acosta, the 78-year-old founder of Las Palapas, was fatally stabbed in a family dispute with his nephew David Ruiz. The incident occurred at Acosta’s home, leading to his death due to severe blood loss. Ruiz, 39, has been apprehended and is facing murder charges. The tragic event has shocked the San Antonio community, reflecting on Acosta’s legacy and philanthropic efforts.
San Antonio – Edward “Ron” Acosta, the 78-year-old founder of the well-known Las Palapas Mexican restaurant chain, was fatally stabbed on Tuesday morning at his home on Reata Trail in San Antonio. The incident has been characterized by authorities as a high-profile murder linked to a family dispute.
The alleged assailant, David Ruiz, 39, who is Acosta’s nephew, reportedly engaged in a violent argument with the victim that escalated to the stabbing. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 11 a.m. by Acosta’s housekeeper, who found him bleeding profusely in his garage and was unable to control the bleeding. Upon arrival, emergency responders pronounced Acosta dead at the scene due to loss of blood.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus confirmed the serious nature of the event, highlighting that it is under intensive investigation. According to police reports, Ruiz’s mental health has been a concern, as indicated by his father, James Ruiz, who suggested that his son has been experiencing a significant decline in behavior, marked by paranoia and other mental health issues.
Following the incident, Ruiz fled the scene and was apprehended later that day by police during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Kimble County, Texas. He is currently being held without bond and is awaiting extradition back to Bexar County, where he will face charges related to the murder.
The altercation between Acosta and Ruiz reportedly stemmed from a family dispute, the details of which have not been fully disclosed, but it appears to have turned violent swiftly. After the incident, Ruiz allegedly expressed denial about what occurred, complicating the investigation further.
Acosta founded the Las Palapas restaurant chain in 1981, which has grown significantly and now boasts over 20 locations across San Antonio and Central Texas. His establishment has become popular for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, contributing to the local dining scene and economy.
In addition to his business success, Acosta was known for his philanthropic efforts within the community. He was actively involved in local organizations, including the 100 Club of San Antonio, an organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen first responders, showcasing his commitment to community service.
The community is now mourning the loss of Acosta, reflecting on his legacy and contributions both as a restaurateur and a generous supporter of various causes. The sudden and violent nature of his death has left many shocked and saddened, as tributes pour in from those who knew him and enjoyed the establishments he built.
Details surrounding Ruiz’s mental health issues and the circumstances leading to the altercation are expected to play a vital role in the legal proceedings as the case unfolds. As a high-profile case, it has drawn significant attention from both the local community and law enforcement officials.
As investigations continue, more information is anticipated to emerge regarding the dynamics of the family relationship and the events leading up to this tragic incident. The San Antonio community, known for its resilience and support of local businesses, is left to grapple with the loss of a prominent figure in both the culinary and philanthropic realms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Founder of Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant Fatally Stabbed
San Antonio Community Mourns Loss of Las Palapas Founder
Beloved San Antonio Restaurateur Fatally Stabbed
Las Palapas Founder Fatally Stabbed in San Antonio
Founder of Las Palapas Restaurant Fatally Stabbed
Prominent San Antonio Restaurateur Found Dead in Stabbing Incident
California Man Arrested for Fatal Stabbing of Uncle in San Antonio
Murder Charge in Death of San Antonio Restauranteur
Prominent San Antonio Restaurateur Fatally Stabbed
San Antonio Eagerly Anticipates Cinco de Mayo Festivities
Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Las Palapas
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Search: Edward Ron Acosta
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Scholar: Tex-Mex Cuisine
- SA Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Edward Ron Acosta
- Express News
- Google News: Las Palapas Murder
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.
