Jesus Acosta, a 31-year-old parolee, was arrested on Saturday morning following an FBI-backed manhunt and an anonymous 911 tip that led officers to a park in the Soundview section of the Bronx, according to the New York Police Department.
The Bronx Bodega Raid and the Fatal $149 Grill & Deli Robbery
Acosta faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, robbery, and weapons offenses, in connection with two fatal shootings across Brooklyn and the Bronx.
According to the NYPD, Acosta was identified as the gunman in a deadly robbery at the 149 Grill & Deli located at East 149th Street and Walton Avenue in the West Concourse section of the Bronx. Surveillance video from the scene captured a gunman entering the establishment at approximately 12:16 a.m. on Tuesday, opening fire shortly after entry, going behind the counter, and taking cash from the register.
The 33-year-old customer, identified via a family fundraiser as Tayvon Shuler and known to loved ones as “Plucky,” was struck in the chest and later pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.
The Brownsville Double Shooting at American Best Wings & Pizza
Prior to the Bronx deli incident, police stated that Acosta was wanted for a separate homicide that occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday at American Best Wings & Pizza at 842 Rockaway Ave. in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.
Responding officers found a 44-year-old man shot in the head and a 39-year-old man shot in the leg. The 44-year-old victim, identified by a GoFundMe campaign and police as husband and father MD Yousuf, died at a local hospital, while the surviving victim was listed in stable condition.
Surveillance Images and the Soundview Park Capture
The multi-agency manhunt culminated Friday morning when law enforcement officers located Acosta after the FBI offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his apprehension.
According to police statements posted to social media, the final break came via an anonymous 911 tip directing officers to a park in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx. Acosta was taken into custody without further incident by NYPD officers. Investigators had previously released surveillance images identifying Acosta, noting distinct tattoos including “Bronx” on his hand and “Bobby” on his left forearm.
Parole History and Outrage From Bodega Owners
State prison records show that Acosta had been on parole since April after serving approximately 10 years in state prison for assault and criminal weapon possession.
In a statement released Saturday, the United Bodegas of America thanked the NYPD for capturing the suspect while condemning the state’s criminal justice framework, noting that Acosta had 13 prior arrests before his release.