Following a dayslong manhunt, 31-year-old Jesus Acosta was taken into custody Saturday morning by the NYPD and charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with two deadly shootings days apart in New York City, according to police. Authorities stated that Acosta was found at a park on Watson Avenue and Morrison Avenue right near the precinct following an anonymous 911 call.
Manhunt Ends with Arrest Near Precinct
Authorities had been actively pursuing Acosta regarding lethal attacks at a Brooklyn eatery and a Bronx convenience store that resulted in two fatalities and one injury. According to the NYPD, Acosta’s only response when asked if he did what they claimed was, “God is good, God is great.” Before his capture, the FBI had offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his location and apprehension, while the United Bodegas of America had offered a $10,000 reward.
Acosta has 13 prior arrests, beginning with an armed robbery when he was 14 years old. Police records show he served 10 years in state prison for shooting a man on a subway platform before being released on parole in April.
Did You Know? Before his arrest, the FBI offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to Jesus Acosta’s location and apprehension, while the United Bodegas of America offered an additional $10,000 reward.
Shootings in Brooklyn and the Bronx
The violent sequence began on a Sunday at American Best Wings and Pizza in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Investigators report that Acosta wounded Mohammed Rasel in the leg prior to shooting Rasel’s companion and colleague, 44-year-old MD Yousuf, in the head. Yousuf, a father of two daughters, died from his injuries.
Two days later, just after midnight on Tuesday, Acosta allegedly walked into 149 Grill in the Melrose section of the Bronx. Surveillance video captures the gunman shooting a customer, 33-year-old Tayvon Shuler, before going behind the counter to steal money from the register as employees and customers scrambled for cover. Shuler, known as Plucky, later died at the hospital.
Reactions and Community Response
Friends of Shuler expressed relief upon learning that the suspect was finally in custody. “He deserves everything he got coming to him,” said Mon’ee.
Fernando Mateo with the United Bodegas of America stated that he was pleased to hear about the arrest. However, Mateo emphasized that more work remains to be done to protect the retail workers he represents across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the New York City shootings?
The NYPD arrested 31-year-old Jesus Acosta following a dayslong manhunt.
What charges does Jesus Acosta face?
He has been charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder.
Where was the suspect located before his arrest?
Police located Acosta at a park on Watson Avenue and Morrison Avenue near the precinct after receiving an anonymous 911 call.
How might local businesses and worker advocacy groups respond to these security concerns moving forward?