The San Antonio community mourns Las Palapas founder Ron Acosta, who was found murdered in his home Tuesday.
SAN ANTONIO — As police continue investigating the murder of Las Palapas founder Ron Acosta, the San Antonio community is mourning the loss of a beloved local businessman.
The 78-year-old was found stabbed to death inside his home in Stone Oak on Tuesday. Investigators arrested 39-year-old David Ruiz in Kimble County. Ruiz’s father confirmed to KENS 5 by phone that his son is Acosta’s nephew, though he declined to discuss details of the case.
According to investigators, Ruiz had recently traveled from California to San Antonio and was invited to stay at Acosta’s home. But on the same day he arrived, the two reportedly got into an argument and Ruiz allegedly stabbed Acosta multiple times.
The shocking news of Acosta’s death has left the community, especially former employees, heartbroken.
“He always had a smile on his face… Sorry, I’m going to cry,” said Valerie Vasquez. “He was just very warm, genuine. It just breaks my heart knowing someone would do that to him.”
Vasquez said Acosta hired her right out of high school in 2006. She worked at Las Palapas for several years.
“He was overall such a great person and my heart breaks for his family going through this difficult time,” she added.
Acosta opened the first Las Palapas restaurant in 1981. As the business grew, so did his charitable contributions. One item on the menu is dedicated to the 100 Club of San Antonio, with a portion of each sale benefiting the nonprofit—which supports families of fallen or injured first responders.
“I was actually talking to a friend about him a couple weeks ago,” said Daniela Pacheco, another former employee. “I was telling her about how nice my time at Las Palapas was and how good everything was.”
Pacheco said although her time working at the restaurant was brief, she attended the same church as Acosta for years. She remembers him as someone who always made a point to say hello.
“It was very shocking and very tragic,” she said. “I couldn’t even believe it. I don’t understand why a person like Ron would go through something like that.”
Both Vasquez and Pacheco shared tributes to Acosta on Facebook and said they hope his family feels the outpouring of love and support from the community.
“I hope his family can find peace knowing he is in a better place,” Vasquez said.
Meanwhile, Ruiz remains in custody in Kimble County awaiting extradition to Bexar County, where he will face a murder charge.