Jesús Acosta arrested after wave of violence in New York
New York authorities have confirmed the arrest of Jesús Acosta, a 31-year-old man identified as the primary suspect in a series of fatal shootings that occurred in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Following an intense manhunt that kept authorities on high alert, Acosta was captured last Saturday, August 29, and is now facing serious charges including two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Chronology of events
The investigation links Acosta to two violent episodes recorded in less than 48 hours:
- Brooklyn: On August 23, at the America’s Best Wings and Pizza establishment, the suspect allegedly fired at Mohammed Rasel, wounding him in the leg, and subsequently ended the life of 44-year-old MD Yousuf with a gunshot wound to the head.
- The Bronx: Just two days later, at 149 Grill, Acosta allegedly broke in after midnight to attack 33-year-old Tayvon Shuler. Security cameras captured the moment the assailant, after shooting the victim, took money from the cash register before fleeing. Shuler passed away shortly after at a hospital.
The capture of Jesús Acosta was possible thanks to an anonymous 911 call that alerted authorities to his presence in a park near Watson Avenue and Morrison Avenue, in the Bronx.
Background and judicial process
Acosta’s case has generated a great impact due to his criminal record. The defendant had been on parole since last April, after having served a sentence of more than ten years for previous crimes related to assault and illegal possession of firearms.
Prior to his arrest, the FBI had issued a $25,000 reward for information leading to his location, in addition to an extra $10,000 incentive offered by the organization United Bodegas of America. Currently, Acosta remains in custody awaiting for the courts to determine his responsibility in the events for which he has been charged.
