The FBI has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of Jesus Acosta, 31, a parolee suspected in a violent crime spree that resulted in two deaths within 48 hours in New York City. Acosta is wanted in connection with the fatal shootings of MD Yousef, 44, an employee at America’s Best Wings and Pizza, and Tayvon Shuler, 33, a customer at a Bronx deli.
The first incident occurred around midnight Sunday at America’s Best Wings and Pizza in Brooklyn, where authorities allege Acosta entered the establishment. Police reported that Yousef was shot in the head, and another man, 39, was struck in the leg. The surviving victim, Mohammed Rasel, told WABC that he believed he survived by pretending to be dead.
Approximately 24 hours later, early Tuesday morning, Acosta allegedly opened fire during a robbery at a deli on East 149th Street in the Bronx. Shuler was shot in the chest and later died from his injuries at Lincoln Medical Center. Shuler's father described his son as a kind individual who was tragically caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Law enforcement sources identified Acosta as the suspect in both incidents. His parole officer reportedly made the identification. Acosta had been released on parole in April after serving over 10 years in state prison for a 2015 shooting during a dispute at a Manhattan subway station. The United Bodegas of America has also offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Acosta's arrest.
