Tragic Incident in San Antonio: Las Palapas Founder Stabbed to Death by Nephew
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Edward “Ron” Acosta, the founder of the well-known Mexican restaurant chain Las Palapas, was brutally murdered in his own home. The alleged perpetrator is his 39-year-old nephew, David Ruiz, who is reported to have been suffering from severe mental health issues.
Acosta, 78, was discovered by law enforcement bleeding from multiple stab wounds inside his mansion located in a gated community in San Antonio. Ruiz had traveled from California to Texas under troubling circumstances. His father, James Ruiz, indicated that before leaving, David exhibited signs of major mental distress, including paranoia and hallucinations, and was armed with a pistol.
James Ruiz expressed his anguish, stating, “I thought I was going to lose him to suicide. I never thought he’d hurt someone else—especially not Ronnie. He just completely snapped.” This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by untreated mental health issues, which can have devastating consequences for families and communities.
Before making the trip to San Antonio, David Ruiz was reportedly experiencing a range of mental disorders, had not slept for four days, and made alarming claims, including that his father was deceased. Recognizing his son’s unstable state, James reached out to his brother-in-law, Aaron Acosta, warning him that David was potentially dangerous.
On the day of the incident, Ruiz was on his way to visit Aaron but opted to stay at his uncle Ron’s house instead. After arriving, Ron sent a message to family members declaring that David was there, initiating plans for a family meeting to discuss how to address his nephew’s behavior.
Unfortunately, the situation escalated tragically. Just hours later, police received a call to Ron Acosta’s home, where they found him unresponsive. Reports indicate that a housekeeper witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene before calling for help. Paramedics determined that Ron had succumbed to the injuries at the scene.
Ruiz fled the location and was on the run until his father learned of the tragic news. James urged him to surrender to the authorities. Ruiz was ultimately arrested later that day during a traffic stop approximately 100 miles away from the crime scene.
David Ruiz is now facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, and is awaiting extradition to Bexar County. This situation not only highlights family tragedy but also raises important discussions about mental health and the need for proper intervention and support systems.
Ron Acosta established Las Palapas in 1981, growing the successful restaurant chain to multiple locations throughout South and Central Texas before selling a majority stake in 2020. His contributions to the community went far beyond just business; he was known for his big heart and commitment to charitable work. Friends remember him as a true community leader who left an indelible mark on the San Antonio area.
Las Palapas Restaurants issued a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow over the loss. They described Ron as a man of faith and a generous spirit, emphasizing that his legacy would live on through the many lives he touched.
“Ron’s impact reached far beyond the restaurants he helped build. He brought people together, created jobs and opportunities, and shared his love of culture and community in everything he did. He will be missed more than words can express,” the company said in their statement.
As the investigation unfolds, our thoughts are with the Acosta family and the San Antonio community, who are grappling with this shocking loss. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health and the potential consequences when these issues go unaddressed.
