Garland Detectives have discovered evidence identifying Abel Elias Acosta as the shooter responsible for killing three and wounding a fourth at a convenience store on December 26, 2021.
It is typically not the practice of the Garland Police Department to release juvenile information, but due to the nature of the offense and potential risk to the public, the court has authorized the release of his information.
Detectives obtained a Directive to Apprehend Abel Elias Acosta, age fourteen (14). Abel is facing the charge of Capital Murder for the shooting death of the three teenagers.A Directive to Apprehend is defined by Texas Family Code, 52.015 as:a) On the request of a law enforcement or probation officer, a juvenile court may issue a directive to apprehend a child if the court finds there is probable cause to take the child into custody under the provisions of this title.
Abel Elias Acosta is described as a light-skinned Hispanic male with dark hair, brown eyes, approximately 5’ 05” in height, and weighing around 125 pounds.Information detectives discovered shows that the driver of the truck, Richard Acosta, who previously turned himself in, is the father of the shooter, Abel Acosta.
The driver of the Dodge Ram, identified as 33-year-old Richard Acosta, a Garland resident, who arrived at the scene with the shooter and was seen fleeing with the shooter inside the vehicle, was arrested December 27 after turning himself in at the Garland Police Department. The truck has also been located.
Richard Acosta is currently in the Garland Detention Center charged with Capital Murder – Multiple Persons. His bond is set at $1,000,000.
This shooting appears to be in retaliation from a previous disturbance, and was believed to be a targeted attack on one or more of the persons inside the store. Detectives are searching for additional evidence that can positively identify the shooter. As this is an active investigation, certain details will not be released to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
The deceased are identified as 14-year-old Xavier Gonzalez, 16-year-old Ivan Noyala, and 17-year-old Rafael Garcia.
The 15-year-old that was transported to the hospital is in stable condition. His identity is not being released.
The original 14-year-old male that was taken into custody on December 27, and whose name is not being released, is not the shooter; however, he remains a person of interest in the investigation. Detectives believe Abel Acosta is actively evading capture and need the public’s assistance in locating him. Abel Acosta is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who has knowledge of the whereabouts of Abel is encouraged to call 911 immediately.
Tips may be made anonymously to Garland Crime Stoppers at 972-272-8477 or www.garlandcrimestoppers.org. A reward of up-to $5,000 is available for any information that leads to his apprehension.
