Garland Crime Stoppers and WBAP Radio host, Jerry Reynolds, are offering a combined $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of a teen accused of killing three people inside a convenience store.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the incident happened at a store in Garland, in the 700 block of West Walnut Street on Sunday. A shirtless suspect, now identified as 14-year-old Abel Elias Acosta, allegedly walked into the store, pulled out a gun and began shooting. While one victim was seriously injured, the other three passed away from their injuries.
Police say all four victims were teenagers. Fox 4 reports that the driver of the getaway car was Abel’s father, 33-year-old Richard Acosta. He turned himself in on Monday night. He’s been charged with capital murder.
Another 14-year-old was initially caught and questioned, but authorities released him to his parents afterward, citing insufficient evidence to hold him. Police said Abel is now at large.
The victims have been identified as:
- Xavier Gonzalez, 14
- Ivan Noyala, 16
- Rafael Garcia, 17
The Dallas Morning News reports that police plan to charge Abel Acosta with capital murder. Once captured, the teen will be sent to a juvenile facility, but prosecutors said they will push to have him tried as an adult.
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Richard Acosta, who’s behind bars on a $1 million bond, reportedly admitted to police that he drove his son to the store.
“Everything in our investigation shows that he had knowledge of everything going on,” Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau said. “The fact that he drove away quickly, he knew, which is also why he’s being charged with capital murder.’”
If found guilty as an adult, Abel Acosta could spend life behind bars without the possibility of parole until he serves at least 40 years.
Anyone with information regarding the case should call 911 or make an anonymous tip to Garland Crime Stoppers at (972-272-8477) or via the online site.
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[Feature Photo: Garland PD]
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