Man convicted of murder after 3 teenagers were shot to death by his then-14-year-old son WSOC TV
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GARLAND, Texas — A man in Garland, Texas, has been convicted of murder in connection with a deadly shooting of three teenagers allegedly by his then-14-year-old son.
Richard Acosta, 34, was convicted on Friday of capital murder for the shooting deaths of Xavier Gonzalez, 14; Ivan Noyola, 16; and Rafael Garcia, 17, on Dec. 26, 2021, according to The Associated Press. A 15-year-old cook was injured in the shooting but has since recovered.
Richard reportedly testified that he was unaware that his son, Abel Acosta, had a gun or had even shot anyone. According to the AP, Richard said that Abel got into the car and told him to drive away because there was a shooting.
After the shooting, Abel reportedly disappeared. He currently remains at large and authorities say he is considered armed and dangerous, according to the AP.
Prosecutors said that Richard tried to dispose of evidence and was trying to relocate his family from Garland, Texas, according to the AP.
Richard surrendered to the police a few days after the shooting. According to the AP, Richard was indicted just about a year ago and reportedly told investigators that Abel disappeared the night of the shooting.
Richard reportedly testified that he was unaware of his son’s whereabouts, according to the AP.
Richard is facing life without parole. The AP reported that prosecutors did not seek the death penalty and that Richard was convicted under a Texas law that allows accomplices to be charged even though they did not commit the crime.
“We would like to thank District Attorney John Cruezot’s office, our detectives, and the family members of the victims who helped endure such a difficult time. We are only halfway to justice. The search continues. We will not stop until Abel Acosta is captured,” said Garland Police Department in the news release.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Garland Police Department at 972-485-4840.
No further information has been released.
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