Founder of Las Palapas Restaurant Chain Fatally Stabbed by Nephew in San Antonio

Founder of the popular Mexican restaurant chain Las Palapas, Edward Ronald Acosta, was killed in his Texas home on Tuesday

The founder of the popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain Las Palapas, Edward “Ron” Acosta, 78, was fatally stabbed inside his San Antonio mansion on Tuesday, allegedly by his nephew, who was reportedly in the midst of a severe mental health crisis.

The suspect, David Ruiz, 39, traveled from Southern California to Texas while experiencing paranoid hallucinations and carrying a pistol, according to statements from his father, James Ruiz. Ruiz reportedly left California on Sunday, telling family he planned to visit his cousin, Aaron Acosta—the son of the Las Palapas founder—and his brother in Austin. However, his father said he had not slept for four days and was making disturbing claims that family members were dead and that others were out to kill him.

The restaurant founder was allegedly killed by his nephew, David Ruiz

Fearing for his son’s safety and mental state, James Ruiz contacted Aaron Acosta to warn him that David was armed and potentially a danger to himself or others. On Monday, while en route to Texas, Ruiz called Aaron Acosta, but ultimately accepted an invitation to stay at his uncle Ron Acosta’s home instead. The family was alerted via a group chat that Ruiz had arrived at the home, and a family meeting was planned to discuss next steps regarding his mental health.

Tragically, at approximately 11 a.m. Tuesday, San Antonio police were called to the gated residence, where they found Ron Acosta unresponsive with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A housekeeper reportedly witnessed the attack and pleaded with Ruiz to stop before calling 911.

Before heading to Texas, Ruiz had been showing signs of every “mental disorder that you could imagine,” hadn’t slept for four days, was suffering from hallucinations, and was highly paranoid

Ruiz fled the scene but was later located and arrested in Kimble County, approximately 100 miles northwest of San Antonio, during a routine traffic stop. He remains in custody, awaiting extradition to Bexar County, where he faces a first-degree murder charge.

Edward “Ron” Acosta founded Las Palapas in 1981 and grew it into a thriving Tex-Mex restaurant chain with multiple locations across South and Central Texas. He sold his majority stake in 2020 but remained a respected and beloved figure in the San Antonio community.

Acosta founded the Tex-Mex chain Las Palapas in 1981

Friends and associates described Acosta as a man of faith, generosity, and deep community ties. Gilbert Hernandez, a close friend, praised his charitable spirit and leadership. Las Palapas issued a statement mourning the loss: “Ron was a man of deep faith, a generous spirit, and a true community leader. His warmth, vision, and work ethic left an undeniable mark on San Antonio.”

“Ron’s impact reached far beyond the restaurants he helped build. He brought people together, created jobs and opportunities, and shared his love of culture and community in everything he did. He will be missed more than words can express,” the statement added.