News Summary
Edward ‘Ron’ Acosta, the 78-year-old founder of the Las Palapas restaurant chain, was tragically killed by his nephew, David Ruiz, in a dispute at his home. Acosta was found bleeding in his garage by a housekeeper, leading to a swift 911 call. Ruiz, who was visiting from California, was apprehended after fleeing the scene. This incident raises concerns about mental health, as signs of a disorder were noted prior to the attack. The community mourns the loss of a beloved figure known for his contributions to local cuisine.
San Antonio – Edward “Ron” Acosta, the 78-year-old founder of the Las Palapas restaurant chain, was fatally stabbed by his nephew, David Ruiz, 39, in a tragic incident at Acosta’s home in the Stone Oak area on Tuesday morning. Authorities were alerted to the scene shortly after 11 a.m. when a housekeeper discovered Acosta bleeding in his garage and called 911.
David Ruiz, who had traveled from Whittier, California, to stay with Acosta at the invitation of Acosta’s son, Aaron, allegedly attacked his uncle following a dispute. Acosta’s son provided the details of Ruiz’s vehicle to law enforcement, enabling them to identify and locate Ruiz after he fled the scene of the crime.
Ruiz was apprehended without incident at a truck stop in Kimble County, approximately 120 miles northwest of San Antonio. The Kimble County Sheriff’s Office took Ruiz into custody, and as of Wednesday, he remains detained. He is expected to be extradited to Bexar County to face charges of murder.
Emergency responders reported that the housekeeper was unable to stop Acosta’s bleeding when she found him. The stabbing incident unfolded amid growing concerns regarding Ruiz’s mental health, as indicated by his father, who noted signs of a mental disorder, including hallucinations and paranoia, leading up to the violent event.
The establishment of Las Palapas in 1981 marked the beginning of a successful restaurant chain that grew to encompass 24 locations throughout San Antonio and its surrounding areas. In 2020, Acosta sold a majority stake to a franchise owner and retired from active management. Following the tragic incidents, Las Palapas released a statement mourning Acosta’s loss, highlighting his commitment to his faith and the community.
Public records confirm that Edward “Ron” Acosta was the owner of the home where the stabbing incident occurred. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to Ruiz’s apprehension. This incident represents a deep loss for both the family and the broader community that Acosta served through his establishments.
This case highlights the often complex relationship dynamics within families and the impact mental health issues can have on behavior. The events leading to the stabbing have left the San Antonio community in shock, as they remember a beloved local business figure known for his contributions to the region’s culinary landscape.
As the investigation continues, authorities will seek to further understand the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life and the subsequent legal proceedings that will follow. The emotional fallout from this incident is expected to resonate throughout the community for some time to come.
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT News
- Google Search: Las Palapas Stabbing
- San Antonio Current
- Google Scholar: Las Palapas Stabbing
- KTSA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Palapas Stabbing
- Fox San Antonio
- Google News: Las Palapas Stabbing
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.
