Richard Acosta, Jr. was found guilty of capital murder Friday, Feb. 10. He is the father of Abel Elias Acosta, 15, who is also wanted in connection with the same three murders. The crimes took place at a Garland convenience store Dec. 26, 2021. Prosecutors also said that Richard attempted to dispose of evidence as well as move his family out of Garland. Richard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.
Abel Elias Acosta
The prosecution alleged that Richard drove his son, Abel, then 14-years-old, to the store where Abel fatally shot three teens and injured another. Xavier Gonzalez, 14; Ivan Noyala, 16; and Rafael Garcia, 17, were killed. A 15-year-old, who was a recently hired cook at the store, was wounded and has recovered.
Richard turned himself in the day after the shooting. He told police that he did not know that his son Abel had shot anyone or that he had a gun when he drove him to the store. He also testified that he does not know where his son is. Prosecutors believe that Richard knew that his son was planning the shooting. They also believe that the father’s truck brake lights being on while he waited outside the store for his son indicates that Richard was ready to drive away. Prosecutors also said that Richard takes off even before Abel closes the door.
Abel has been on the run since the shooting and is considered armed and dangerous.
In a social media post after the announcement of the guilty verdict, the Garland Police Department said, “”We are only halfway to justice.” The post also said, “The search continues. We will not stop until Abel Acosta is captured.”
In the post, the GPD thanked District Attorney John Cruezot’s office, GPD detectives and family members of the murder victims.
GPD asked that anyone with information on the whereabouts of Abel Acosta contact the Garland Police Department at 972-485-4840.
Information can also be submitted anonymously to Garland Crimestoppers at 972-272-8477 (TIPS), or www.garlandcrimestoppers.org. In addition to the Crimestoppers reward of $5,000, Jerry Reynolds, WBAP radio talk show host, has offered $5,000 bringing the total reward to $10,000.