Acosta was fatally stabbed at his Stone Oak home Tuesday morning, according to law enforcement officials.
SAN ANTONIO — As San Antonio law enforcement continue to investigate the Tuesday killing of Edward Ronald Acosta, community members – as well as the restaurant chain he founded – are remembering him as “a man of deep faith, a generous spirit and a true community leader.”
Acosta, 78, was found stabbed to death in his Stone Oak home on Tuesday, according to police officials who said his housekeeper called to report the incident. David Ruiz, 39, was arrested on Interstate 10 in Kimble County a few hours later; authorities believe the Whittier, California, man was trying to leave the state.
Acosta, better known in the community as Ron Acosta, founded Las Palapas in 1981 before the Tex-Mex restaurant took off with two dozen locations in the San Antonio area, including New Braunfels.
In a statement shared to Facebook, representatives of the chain said they were “heartbroken” to learn of Acosta’s “tragic and untimely death.”
“His warmth, vision, and work ethic left an undeniable mark on San Antonio,” the post goes on to read. “Many knew him as the founder of Las Palapas, but those closest to him knew him as a kind, God-fearing man who believed in serving others, whether through food, friendship, or faith.”
That post has received more than 500 comments largely consisting of past patrons sharing their memories of eating at Las Palapas and community members sharing their condolences with the family.
“What a dynasty,” wrote Pedro Garcia, who fondly recalled that “the flautas and chicken soup were my favorite.”
“You were a pillar of the community,” added Gina Salas Snow.
Another San Antonian, Castillo Manuel, wrote that he and his now-wife stopped by one of the restaurants in 1988 “to continue our conversation” after their first meeting.
“After being married for 35 years, we will make it a point to stop by Las Palapas to have a carne quesada taco,” Manuel wrote. “I would say that Mr. Acosta’s Las Palapas has impacted our life in a certain way.”
Las Palapas’ post said Acosta did more than start a restaurant chain; he also “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.”
Wayne Detmar took over as CEO and majority owner of Las Palapas in 2025. In a statement to KENS 5, he remembered Acosta as “a man whose heart was rooted deeply in faith, family and community.”
“He was never one to seek the spotlight, but his kindness, generosity and unwavering belief in serving others left a mark on everyone who crossed his path,” Detmar said.
The Las Palapas leader went on to say Acosta “laid the foundation” for what the chain is today, having “brought joy to thousands every single day.”
“His spirit lives on in every taco served, every guest welcomed and every community we support. We will carry on his legacy, not just in the business he created, but in how we continue to give back and love our neighbors, just as Ron always did.”
What we know about the suspect
Ruiz faces a murder charge after his Tuesday arrest. He’s expected to be brought to Bexar County sometime soon.
Ruiz’s father told KENS 5 he is Acosta’s nephew.
Arrest records say another relative of Acosta’s had invited Ruiz to stay at their home on the 19200 block of Reata Trail. Ruiz drove up this week and, according to records, Acosta himself invited Ruiz over on Tuesday before the bloodshed.
A motive has yet to be determined by investigators.
