Man wanted in 2 deadly NYC shootings now subject of $25,000 FBI reward
Police are still looking for an armed and dangerous man who they say is responsible for two deadly shootings across New York City.
Jesus Acosta, 31, is the suspect in a shooting that happened at a Bronx deli Tuesday morning and a shooting at a Brooklyn restaurant early Sunday morning, according to the NYPD.
Police said Acosta has been out on parole since April, serving more than 10 years behind bars for assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
The FBI is now offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Acosta's arrest and conviction, on top of the United Bodegas of America's $10,000 reward.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via the Crime Stoppers website or via DM on X, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
Bronx shooting victim identified
Surveillance video shows Acosta allegedly entering 149 Grill and Deli early Tuesday morning before shooting and killing a 33-year-old man inside and stealing his backpack.
Store employees were seen ducking for cover as bullets hit the walls just inches away from where they stood. The suspect then raided the deli's register before running away.
Police identified the 33-year-old as Tavon Shuler, who friends say they knew fondly as "Pluccy." A memorial is growing outside the bodega in his honor.
"He's a good kid. He gave his shirt off his back," said his father, Douglas Shuler.
Shuler said his son got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"He's going to be missed that's all I can, man. I'm just stuck for words right now," he said.
Father of 2 identified as victim in Brooklyn shooting
Detectives say Acosta is also wanted for the shooting at an American Best Wings and Pizza in Brownsville.
Acosta allegedly shot a 39-year-old employee who was making food in the leg, then fatally shot 44-year-old MD Yousef, who was at the register, in the head.
The 39-year-old victim survived.
"The employee door was open, so the guy ran into inside and then shot him first and then he shot MD Yousef in the head," said Shekh Rasel, co-owner of the restaurant.
Rasel says Yousef came to the United States from Bangladesh a few years ago and was financially supporting his wife, two daughters, parents and other extended family.
"That's a massive loss for us," Rasel said. "Losing a friend, the best friend like MD Yousef, who was really trustworthy and a really good employee, for sure, and also like a family member."
Yousef's funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
Loved ones are hoping his alleged killer is arrested soon.
"Catch this guy," said Mizanur Rahman, Yousef's uncle. "We need safety for all people."
"I feel frustrasted and disgusted in the same way," Rasel said.
Rasel says he hasn't been able to reopen the shop since the Sunday morning shooting.
