San Antonio Restaurateur Founder Murdered by Nephew

Edward “Ronnie” Acosta, the 78-year-old founder of the Las Palapas Mexican restaurant chain in Texas, was fatally stabbed by his 39-year-old nephew, David Ruiz, at Acosta's upscale San Antonio home. Ruiz, who had traveled from California, reportedly suffered from a severe mental health crisis and possible methamphetamine use, according to his father, James Ruiz. The stabbing occurred after an altercation witnessed by Acosta’s housekeeper, who called 911 upon discovering the crime scene. Ruiz fled but was apprehended about 100 miles away in Junction, Texas, and faces murder charges. James Ruiz expressed shock and sorrow, stating he feared for his son's safety due to his erratic behavior, which included paranoia and hallucinations, but never expected him to harm anyone else. The incident has drawn attention due to Acosta's prominence as a restaurateur and the tragic circumstances surrounding the attack.