Fbi raises reward to $50,000 in garland teen triple homicide
A federal arrest warrant
has been issued for Abel Elias Acosta, 18, wanted in connection with the 2021 shooting deaths of three teenagers in Garland, Texas. The FBI is intensifying its efforts to locate the suspect, offering a significant increase in the reward to $50,000.A decade-long hunt continues
The case, which began with the brutal execution of 14, 16, and 17-year-olds at a Texaco gas station on December 26, 2021, has spanned nearly a decade. Initial reports detailed the horrific scene – four victims, three fatally wounded – caught on surveillance video. The footage immediately identified both Abel and Richard Acosta as key figures.
What emerged was a chilling narrative of calculated violence and a desperate flight. Richard Acosta Jr., Abel’s father, is now serving a life sentence without parole after pleading guilty to capital murder for aiding his son’s escape. He admitted to driving Abel to the scene and then fleeing with him, claiming ignorance of his son’s intent to shoot.
A father’s deceptive defense
Richard Acosta’s testimony, however, was swiftly dismantled by prosecutors who presented compelling evidence of his active involvement. They argued he orchestrated Abel’s escape to Mexico, effectively facilitating a criminal conspiracy. The family's pain remains palpable, a wound refusing to heal until Acosta is brought to justice.
The investigation revealed a complex web of deceit. Acosta initially claimed not to know his son possessed a firearm or had harmed anyone, merely stating that the teen requested immediate escape after encountering a shooter. He repeatedly insisted he lacked knowledge of his son’s whereabouts, a claim contradicted by irrefutable evidence.
Fbi’s urgent plea for information
“We know he has longstanding ties to the Garland area,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rohrock. “We ask anyone with information to contact the FBI immediately. This is a priority case, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for the victims’ families and the Garland community.”
Contact information
Tips can be submitted anonymously via tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or the FBI’s Dallas Field Office at 972-559-5000. The FBI urges anyone with any knowledge of Acosta’s location to come forward. This case exemplifies the relentless pursuit of justice, a commitment that will not falter.