CCMobility 300x250

Garland police investigating homicide

by | Dec 29, 2021 | Latest

Garland Police identified the gunman who killed three juveniles and wounded another at a Garland gas station the evening of Sunday, Dec. 26.

Police believe the gunman, identified as Abel Elias Acosta, 14, is armed, dangerous and evading arrest.

According to Lt. Pedro Barineau, Public Information Officer for the Garland Police Department, juveniles suspected of crimes are not identified but the department made an exemption because Abel poses a threat to public safety.

Once caught, the department intends to pursue a capital murder charge for Abel Acosta.

Officers also took the 14-year-old’s father, Richard Acosta Jr., into custody after he turned himself in. Richard Acosta is suspected to have driven the truck Abel Acosta used to get to and from the gas station.

Police initially responded to the report of a gunshot wound in a convenience store in the 700 block of West Walnut Street, just after 7:30 pm, Sunday. 

When officers arrived, they observed four males inside the store who had been shot.  Three of the males were pronounced deceased at the scene and the fourth victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

The three dead victims were identified as 14-year-old Xavier Gonzalez, 16-year-old Ivan Noyala and 17-year-old Rafael Garcia. The final victim, a 15-year-old boy who works as a cook inside the gas station is in stable condition. His identity will not be released at this time, according to police.

Detectives retrieved video surveillance showing all the victims inside the store.  The video also showed a light skinned male exit a white Dodge 4-door pickup truck, open the front doors of the convenience store and fire at least 20 rounds.

The male suspect is then seen getting back in the white truck on the passenger side and the truck fleeing at a high rate of speed.

The male shooter wore a baseball hat, blue surgical mask, and dark colored athletic shorts, said police.

The investigation remains active and detectives are still trying to determine what led to the shooting. 

Originally, officers apprehended another 14-year-old, Dec. 27, who has since been released, and is not the shooter. The individual could still face charges and remains a person of interest in the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Garland Police Department at 972-485-4840. 

Callers may remain anonymous by calling Garland Crime Stoppers at 972-272-8477 (TIPS).  A reward of up-to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to the identity and arrest of the suspect. 

[email protected]

Collin College Farmersville Fall Registration 2023 250x300

0 Comments

Related News

Sonja’s Angels seeks donations

Sonja’s Angels seeks donations

An initiative set to spread some holiday joy to nursery homes needs help to fulfill their goal this year. Sonja’s Forgotten Angels, named in honor of Sonja Jones, is a nonprofit started in 2006 by Tamera Jones-Davis, Sonja’s daughter. By Norishka Pachot For more on...

read more
Pedestrian accident spurs safety concerns

Pedestrian accident spurs safety concerns

In recent light of a child being involved in an accident crossing Highway 78, councilmembers discussed proactive measures to ensure that does not happen again. A parent and aunt of the injured child addressed council at the Tuesday, Nov. 14 regular city council...

read more
Nonprofit helps with public speaking

Nonprofit helps with public speaking

Wylie Wisecrackers Toastmasters (WWT) is a mouthful, in more ways than one. “Our premise is helping people become more comfortable with public speaking,” WWT Vice President of Education and Public Relations Gary Moore said. Moore has been a member of Toastmasters...

read more
Area veterans wrapped in gratitude

Area veterans wrapped in gratitude

Collin College Farmersville Campus welcomed the community, veterans and service members for the Quilt Guild’s annual Quilts of Valor presentation Tuesday, Nov. 14. Library Branch Manager Deborah Sellars delivered the opening remarks, welcoming attendees to the campus,...

read more
Be aware of code violations

Be aware of code violations

The city of Farmersville wants residents to do their part in maintaining their property so they will not only be a good neighbor, but they will also help keep the city looking great. To help residents understand code violations, the city’s code enforcement team is...

read more
City readies to celebrate the holiday season

City readies to celebrate the holiday season

In the next few weeks, Farmersville will undergo its pre-Christmas transformation to become a brightly lit winter wonderland. Now in its fourth year, Farmersville Lights officially kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec.1, at CBTx Bank — the official sponsor — located at 201...

read more
Veterans honored

Veterans honored

Farmersville ISD campuses planned a morning full of activities to honor veterans and their families on Friday, Nov. 10. Activities began at Tatum Elementary with a flag raising ceremony in front of the school. Boy Scout Troop 310 posted colors and led the student body...

read more
Farmers come up short to Caddo Mills

Farmers come up short to Caddo Mills

Jeralin Craddock finds some open space for a decent gain in Farmersville’s loss to the Caddo Mills Foxes.  (Photo by Victor Tapia)  GREENVILLE – The Fighting Farmers first playoff appearance since 2019 was not accompanied with a storybook ending, as the...

read more
Lady Farmers fall in five sets to Lindale

Lady Farmers fall in five sets to Lindale

Rendi Fetty was one of four seniors to see her career as a Lady Farmer volleyball player come to an end on Tuesday with Farmersville’s loss to Lindale.  The Lady Farmers’ postseason run came to an end last Tuesday at the hands of the Lindale Lady Eagles. After...

read more
Leaderboard American Heart Association