A tragic and violent act has unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, where David Ruiz, 39, allegedly murdered his uncle, Edward “Ronnie” Acosta, a well-known restaurateur and founder of the Las Palapas restaurant chain.
Ruiz, who had traveled from California to Texas, is now facing a murder charge after stabbing Acosta multiple times during an altercation at Acosta’s upscale home.
This horrific incident has left the local community in shock, especially given the victim’s prominent status in San Antonio’s culinary scene. Ruiz’s father, James Ruiz, has indicated that his son was suffering from a mental health crisis and possibly using methamphetamine at the time of the attack.
The Crime and Investigation
On Tuesday morning, police were called to a grisly scene at Acosta’s home in San Antonio. According to an affidavit, an altercation broke out between Ruiz and his uncle, leading to Ruiz stabbing Acosta multiple times. Acosta, 78, bled out while lying in the garage.
The housekeeper, who witnessed the stabbing, called 911, describing a scene of chaos with “blood all around him.”
David Ruiz, who had arrived in San Antonio on Sunday, was staying at Acosta’s home at the time. Following the murder, Ruiz fled the scene. Authorities were alerted to his whereabouts, and police soon found him 100 miles away in Junction, Texas.
A traffic stop was conducted, and Ruiz was arrested without incident. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly in disbelief, with his father texting him to turn himself in, saying, “David, you killed Ronnie.” Ruiz allegedly responded by calling his father “crazy.”
David Ruiz’s Mental Health Struggles
James Ruiz, David’s father, shared with local media that his son had been going through a severe mental health crisis. He mentioned that he feared for his son’s well-being, saying, “I thought I was going to lose him to suicide,” but never imagined that David would hurt anyone else, especially not Ronnie.
He suggested that David may have been using methamphetamine, which could have contributed to his violent actions.
The circumstances surrounding Ruiz’s mental state have prompted many to question how much influence mental health issues and substance abuse had on his behavior. The devastating crime occurred in a moment of apparent crisis, as David Ruiz’s erratic behavior and violent outbursts culminated in the tragic death of his uncle.
The Legacy of Edward “Ronnie” Acosta
Edward “Ronnie” Acosta was not just a successful entrepreneur but also a beloved community figure. He founded the Las Palapas restaurant chain in 1981, starting with a small 60-seat location in San Antonio. The chain grew over the years, expanding throughout the state of Texas. Acosta sold his majority stake in the business in 2020 but remained a prominent figure in the community.
The company paid tribute to Acosta after his death, calling him “a man of deep faith, a generous spirit, and a true community leader.”
They remembered him for his warmth, vision, work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Many people knew him as the founder of Las Palapas, but those closest to him knew him as a kind, God-fearing man who believed in serving through food, friendship, and faith.
The Aftermath and Legal Consequences
David Ruiz is currently facing a murder charge and is awaiting extradition back to Bexar County, Texas, where he will face trial for the death of his uncle.
His actions, fueled by a mix of personal struggles and possibly substance abuse, led to a horrific and senseless crime that has devastated the Acosta family and the San Antonio community.
This case highlights the complexities surrounding mental health, substance abuse, and violent crime, raising important questions about how such issues can escalate to violence and impact families in devastating ways. As Ruiz faces the legal consequences of his actions, the family of Edward Acosta is left to grapple with the loss of a beloved father, uncle, and community leader.
The brutal murder of Edward “Ronnie” Acosta by his nephew, David Ruiz, has shocked the San Antonio community. Ruiz’s apparent mental health crisis and possible substance abuse played a significant role in the tragic events, but it cannot excuse the devastating impact his actions have had on his family.
As Ruiz faces trial for his crimes, the community remembers Acosta as a man of great generosity and faith, whose death has left a lasting void. This case serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between mental health, substance abuse, and violent crime, and the importance of addressing these issues before they escalate into tragedy.
