News Summary
Edward ‘Ron’ Acosta, the founder of the Las Palapas restaurant chain, was tragically stabbed by his nephew David Ruiz during an altercation at his home. The shocking incident, which occurred in San Antonio, has left the community in mourning. Acosta, known for his generous contributions to local charities, was 78 years old. Ruiz has been charged with murder, and details are emerging about the events leading up to the attack, including concerns regarding his mental health.
San Antonio – Edward “Ron” Acosta, the beloved founder of the Las Palapas restaurant chain, was fatally stabbed by his nephew, David Ruiz, in a shocking incident on July 1, 2025. Ruiz, 39, from Whittier, California, has been charged with murder following the altercation at Acosta’s residence in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio.
According to law enforcement reports, the stabbing occurred at Acosta’s home around 11 a.m. when a housekeeper alerted authorities to a violent incident. The housekeeper described the scene as chaotic, with “blood all around” and indicated she could not manage the victim’s bleeding.
Acosta, 78, was a prominent figure in the community, known for his generosity and philanthropic efforts. He founded Las Palapas in 1981, which has expanded to over 24 locations predominantly in the San Antonio area.
Prior to the stabbing, Ruiz had reached out to Acosta’s son, stating he was “two hours away” but later decided to stay elsewhere the night before the tragedy. On the morning of the stabbing, Acosta invited Ruiz to his home. Following the incident, Acosta’s son identified Ruiz in a photo lineup and provided police with details about his vehicle.
Shortly after the stabbing, Ruiz was apprehended on Interstate 10 in Kimble County while driving Acosta’s vehicle. Investigators are probing the events leading up to the confrontation, with reports indicating that a potential argument may have escalated into violence. Acosta’s family member expressed concern about Ruiz’s mental health prior to the incident, noting signs of a crisis that included hallucinations and paranoia.
The incident has left the San Antonio community in shock, as Acosta was revered not only for his successful business but also for his contributions to local charities and community development. His family has remembered him as a caring individual with a strong faith, who remained actively involved in both his business and the community despite facing health issues.
As the investigation continues, police have stated that there is no immediate threat to public safety following this tragic event. Authorities have confirmed they are taking the necessary steps to gather more information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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Additional Resources
- Express News
- Wikipedia: Las Palapas
- KSAT
- Google Search: Edward Ron Acosta San Antonio
- SA Current
- Google Scholar: Edward Ron Acosta
- KENS5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Palapas
- KTSA
- 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.
