Jesus Acosta, 31, a parolee with a history of 13 prior arrests, was taken into custody Friday morning after an FBI-backed manhunt, according to the NYPD. Acosta is accused of two homicides during a 48-hour robbery spree in New York City.
The FBI had offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his capture. The NYPD announced his arrest on social media, thanking law enforcement and the public for their assistance.
Bronx Deli Shooting
Acosta is suspected of approaching a 33-year-old man inside 149 Grill & Deli in the Bronx early Tuesday. Police said the suspect opened fire, striking the victim multiple times in the chest before taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fleeing. The victim, identified by his sister as Tayvon Shuler, was initially taken to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition but later died from his injuries. Shuler was known to loved ones as "Plucky."
Brooklyn Restaurant Shooting
The second shooting occurred shortly after midnight Sunday at American Best Wings & Pizza in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood. Responding officers found a 44-year-old man with a fatal head wound and a 39-year-old man with a leg injury. The 44-year-old victim, identified as MD Yousuf, a husband and father of two, was pronounced dead at a hospital. The surviving victim's condition was listed as stable.
A GoFundMe fundraiser for Yousuf's family stated that he was the sole income earner and that his family was seeking funds to send his body to Bangladesh for burial, cover funeral costs, and support his wife, mother, and daughters.
Suspect's History and Arrest
Before his arrest, the NYPD had released surveillance images of Acosta, describing him as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, 175 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was noted to have "Bronx" tattooed on his hand and "Bobby" on his left forearm.
State prison records indicate Acosta had been on parole since April after serving 10 years for assault and criminal weapon possession. The United Bodegas of America organization expressed relief at his capture but criticized the justice system, noting his extensive prior arrest record and release on parole. A spokesman for the group suggested policy changes to address gun violence and enhance bodega safety.
The NYPD has not yet released further details regarding the specific charges Acosta faces or the location of his apprehension.