Garland Police ID Suspected Shooter In Triple Murder, Searching For 14-Year-Old Abel Elias Acosta
GARLAND, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Garland Police have identified a 14-year-old boy wanted for allegedly shooting and killing three teens and wounding a fourth at a convenience store on Sunday, Dec. 26.
Detectives said they have discovered evidence identifying Abel Elias Acosta as the suspected shooter and they are looking to arrest him.
"It is typically not the practice of the Garland Police Department to release juvenile information, but due to the nature of the offense and potential risk to the public, the court has authorized the release of his information," Garland Police said.
Acosta is facing a capital murder charge.
Police describe Acosta as a light-skinned Hispanic boy with dark hair, brown eyes, approximately 5' 05" and weighing around 125 pounds.
"He could be here in town, he could be in a surrounding city, we don't have his exact known whereabouts but somebody does and we need their help," said Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau.
The driver of the pickup truck, Richard Acosta, who turned himself in on Tuesday, is the father of the suspected shooter, Abel Acosta.
The original 14-year-old boy who was taken into custody on December 27, and whose name is not being released, is not the shooter; however, he remains a person of interest in the investigation.
Detectives believe Abel Acosta is actively evading capture and need the public's assistance in locating him.
Abel Acosta is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone who has knowledge of the whereabouts of Abel is encouraged to call 911 immediately.
Tips may be made anonymously to Garland Crime Stoppers at 972-272-8477 or click here.
A reward of up-to $5,000 is available for any information that leads to his apprehension.
The three victims who died were identified Monday as Xavier Gonzalez, 14, Ivan Noyola, 15, and Rafael Garcia, 17.
Xavier Gonzalez's uncle, Rafael Gonzalez, said the family knew about the suspect through social media.
"We knew that since the beginning but it's something we don't have control over, all we can do is let the detective know and he has to do his part," said Gonzalez.
He said Xavier had just gone to the Texaco convenience store to buy some food for the family and go right back home, when he was shot to death.