Jesus Acosta, 31, is scheduled to appear before a New York City court on Tuesday for arraignment on a grand‑jury indictment that includes murder, attempted murder, robbery and illegal weapon possession. The charges stem from two separate shootings that shocked the Bronx and Brooklyn in August.
Bronx bodega murder
On August 25, Acosta entered the 149 Grill & Deli on East 149th Street in the Bronx, opened fire on 33‑year‑old Tayvon Shuler during a robbery, and fled after stealing cash from the register. Shuler later died from his injuries. A grand jury recently returned an indictment on all counts related to this killing, and Acosta will be formally charged at the upcoming arraignment.
Brooklyn restaurant shooting
Three days earlier, on August 22, Acosta allegedly shot 44‑year‑old MD Yousuf inside American Best Wings & Pizza in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Yousuf, a husband and father of two, was killed, and another employee was wounded during the attempted robbery. Acosta was previously arraigned on an indictment for this incident and is being held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on December 4 for further proceedings.
Manhunt and arrest
The two shootings triggered an intensive manhunt involving the NYPD and the FBI. Acosta was captured on August 29 in a Bronx park near Watson Avenue and Morrison Avenue after an anonymous 911 caller reported his location. When reporters asked whether he had committed the crimes, Acosta responded, “God is good, God is great.”
Criminal history and rewards
Investigators say Acosta has 13 prior arrests dating back to his teenage years. He was released on parole in April after serving roughly ten years for a 2015 subway shooting in Manhattan. Prior to his arrest, the FBI offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his capture, and the United Bodegas of America added a $10,000 reward.
The arraignment will give the court an opportunity to set bail conditions and schedule future hearings. The case underscores ongoing concerns about violent crime in New York City and the importance of community cooperation with law‑enforcement efforts.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
