New York City police are searching for Jesus Acosta, a 31-year-old man wanted in connection with two fatal shootings in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The incidents occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday and Tuesday, prompting a citywide manhunt. Police say the latest shooting followed a robbery at a Bronx deli, while the earlier attack left one person dead and another wounded in Brooklyn. Surveillance images have been released as investigators seek the public’s help locating Acosta.
| 1) | Bronx deli shooting becomes a homicide investigation |
|---|---|
| 2) | Brooklyn shooting occurred two days earlier |
| 3) | Police identify suspect and release images |
| 4) | Victims and investigation details |
| 5) | Public urged to help locate the suspect |
Bronx deli shooting becomes a homicide investigation
The latest incident occurred at about 12:16 a.m. Tuesday at 149 Grill & Deli, located at 143 East 149th Street in the Bronx. Police said a gunman approached a 33-year-old man and shot him multiple times in the chest. The attacker then allegedly took an unknown amount of cash from behind the register before fleeing the location.
The victim was transported to Lincoln Hospital and was initially reported to be in stable condition. He later died from his injuries Tuesday, leading police to classify the case as a homicide. Investigators say Acosta is wanted in connection with both the shooting and the robbery.
Brooklyn shooting occurred two days earlier
The earlier shooting took place shortly after midnight Sunday inside a building at 842 Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. Police responding to a 911 call about an assault in progress found a 44-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head and a 39-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Both victims were taken to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. The 44-year-old man was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the 39-year-old man was listed in stable condition. Police have linked Acosta to the Brooklyn shooting, which preceded the fatal Bronx incident by two days.
Police identify suspect and release images
The New York City Police Department identified the suspect as Jesus Acosta and released surveillance images during the search. Authorities describe him as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes, according to police.
Police also said Acosta has a tattoo reading “Bronx” on his hand and the name “Bobby” on his left forearm. The images are intended to help investigators and members of the public recognize him, but police have not announced an arrest.
Victims and investigation details
The two cases involve three shooting victims across two boroughs. One man died in Brooklyn, another was wounded there, and the Bronx victim later died after being shot during the deli robbery. The incidents occurred in commercial or public-access locations shortly after midnight, according to police accounts.
Investigators are examining the circumstances of both shootings and the suspected robbery. Authorities have not publicly detailed a possible motive or explained how the two cases may be connected beyond identifying Acosta as a person wanted in both investigations.
Public urged to help locate the suspect
Police are asking anyone who recognizes Acosta or has information about either shooting to contact investigators. The department posted an appeal identifying the dates, locations and nature of the allegations before confirming that the Bronx victim had died.
“Have you seen Jesus Acosta? He is wanted for the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old man on 8/23 inside 842 Rockaway Ave in Brooklyn and a robbery from 8/25 at 143 East 149 St in the Bronx.”
Anyone with information should share it with police rather than approach the suspect. The investigation remains active as officers work to determine Acosta’s whereabouts and build the cases related to the two shootings.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police want Jesus Acosta in connection with two shootings in Brooklyn and the Bronx. |
| 2 | A 44-year-old man died in the Brooklyn shooting, and a second man was wounded. |
| 3 | The Bronx victim died after being shot during a deli robbery. |
| 4 | Surveillance images and physical descriptors have been released to support the search. |
Summary
The NYPD is conducting a manhunt for Jesus Acosta after linking him to fatal shootings in Brooklyn and the Bronx days apart. The cases include a deadly shooting at a Brooklyn location and a Bronx deli robbery in which the victim later died. Police have released surveillance images and are asking the public to provide information that could lead to Acosta’s arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is police seeking?
Police are seeking Jesus Acosta, a 31-year-old man identified as a suspect in two shootings in New York City.
Where did the shootings occur?
The shootings occurred at a location on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn and at 149 Grill & Deli on East 149th Street in the Bronx.
Were there fatalities?
Yes. A 44-year-old man died after the Brooklyn shooting, and the 33-year-old Bronx victim later died from his injuries. A 39-year-old man wounded in Brooklyn was reported to be in stable condition.
How can the public assist?
Anyone who recognizes Acosta or has information about either incident should contact police and should not approach him.
