Texas restaurant chain founder Las Palapas murdered by nephew in stabbing incident.

Edward “Ron” Acosta, the founder of the well-known San Antonio-based restaurant chain Las Palapas, was tragically found deceased following a violent incident at his home on Tuesday morning. Acosta, aged 78, succumbed to injuries inflicted during an altercation with his nephew, David Ruiz, aged 39. According to local authorities, Acosta was discovered bleeding in his garage by a housekeeper, who promptly alerted emergency services.

Reports indicate that Ruiz is suspected of fleeing the scene immediately after the incident. However, law enforcement officials apprehended him approximately 120 miles northwest of San Antonio in Kimble County. The swift response from local deputies, who were alerted by Acosta’s son providing a description of Ruiz’s vehicle, allowed for his capture a few hours after the stabbing incident.

The Kimble County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ruiz was detained at a truck stop without incident and remains in custody. He is expected to be extradited to Bexar County where he will face charges related to murder.

Family sources reveal that Ruiz, a resident of Whittier, California, had been invited to stay at the Acosta family home shortly before the tragic event. Following his arrival, an argument reportedly escalated into the fatal confrontation. According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, the nature of the dispute is still under investigation.

In light of the incident, Ruiz’s father expressed concerns about his son’s mental health, stating that he had been showing signs of a potential mental disorder, which included hallucinations and paranoid behavior. Despite his worries, he did not regard his son as a threat to anyone other than himself. The elder Ruiz articulated confusion over the eventual violence that occurred, noting his son had no recent communication with Acosta prior to this incident.

Acosta founded Las Palapas in 1981, which has since expanded to 24 locations throughout the Greater San Antonio area. He retired in 2020 after divesting a controlling stake in the restaurant chain to a franchise owner. Las Palapas has built a reputation for its Tex-Mex cuisine and a commitment to community engagement.

In a heartfelt tribute, the restaurant chain highlighted Acosta’s legacy, noting his deep faith, generous spirit, and pivotal role as a community leader. Acosta’s impact on San Antonio is marked by his warmth, vision, and exemplary work ethic, which are fondly remembered by those who knew him. The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection on Acosta’s contributions to the local food scene and community.

This story continues to unfold as the investigation progresses, and updates on the case are expected as more information becomes available.