A 31-year-old parolee accused of killing two people during separate robberies in New York City was arrested Friday morning after a manhunt supported by the FBI. Police identified the suspect as Jesus Acosta, who was sought in connection with deadly shootings in the Bronx and Brooklyn. The victims were identified by relatives and fundraisers as Tayvon Shuler and MD Yousuf. Authorities have not immediately released additional details about Acosta’s arrest or the charges he faces.
| 1) | Arrest follows a citywide manhunt |
| 2) | Bronx deli shooting and robbery |
| 3) | Brooklyn restaurant shooting |
| 4) | Suspect’s criminal history and public appeal |
| 5) | Families and business owners seek accountability |
Arrest follows a citywide manhunt
Jesus Acosta was taken into custody Friday morning after the FBI offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his location and apprehension. The NYPD had circulated surveillance images and requested help from the public while detectives investigated two shootings reported days apart.
The department announced the arrest in a social media post, thanking officers, detectives and New Yorkers who assisted in locating the suspect. Police did not immediately say where Acosta was arrested, how he was identified or what formal charges would be filed.
“Thank you to our cops, detectives, and New Yorkers for their work on locating him,” the NYPD wrote.
Bronx deli shooting and robbery
The first reported incident occurred early Tuesday at 149 Grill & Deli, located at 143 E. 149th St. in the Bronx. Police said the gunman approached a 33-year-old man inside the business at approximately 12:16 a.m. and shot him multiple times in the chest.
The suspect allegedly took an undisclosed amount of cash from behind the register before fleeing. The victim was transported to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition but later died from his injuries. A fundraiser established by his sister identified him as Tayvon Shuler, who was known to relatives and friends as “Plucky.”
Brooklyn restaurant shooting
The other shooting took place shortly after midnight Sunday at American Best Wings & Pizza at 842 Rockaway Ave. in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Officers responding to a 911 call found two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police said a 44-year-old man had been shot in the head and a 39-year-old man had been shot in the leg. The older victim was pronounced dead at a hospital, while the surviving victim was listed in stable condition. A family fundraiser identified the deceased restaurant worker as MD Yousuf, a husband and father of two who was the sole income earner for his family.
The fundraiser said relatives were seeking assistance with funeral costs, returning Yousuf’s body to Bangladesh for burial and supporting his wife, mother and daughters, who are 12 and 3 years old.
Suspect’s criminal history and public appeal
Jesus Acosta had been on parole since April after serving about 10 years in state prison for assault and criminal weapon possession, according to state prison records. The article also reported that he had 13 prior arrests.
Before his arrest, police described Acosta as 5 feet 11 inches tall and approximately 175 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. Investigators said he had a “Bronx” tattoo on one hand and a “Bobby” tattoo on his left forearm. Those details, along with the surveillance images and reward, were used in the effort to locate him.
Families and business owners seek accountability
The deaths prompted responses from relatives and a business advocacy group representing bodega owners. Tanasha Neal, Shuler’s sister, said in a public post that her younger brother had been murdered and that she was struggling to process the loss. She also sought donations for his memorial service.
“I am still mentally trying to grapple with it,” Neal wrote.
United Bodegas of America welcomed the arrest but criticized the handling of Acosta’s prior record. Spokesman Fernando Mateo called for tougher penalties for illegal gun possession, the return of bodega panic buttons and faster approval of gun permits for trained business owners. The group said the case demonstrated the need for changes addressing gun violence and workplace safety.
“We are relieved that this dangerous man is off our streets, but we are outraged that someone with 13 prior arrests was released on parole,” the organization said.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jesus Acosta was arrested Friday after an FBI-backed search. |
| 2 | Police linked the investigation to shootings in the Bronx and Brooklyn. |
| 3 | Tayvon Shuler and MD Yousuf were identified as the deceased victims. |
| 4 | Authorities had not released the arrest location or formal charges. |
Summary
The arrest ends the immediate search for a suspect police say was involved in two deadly New York City shootings during separate alleged robberies. The investigation remains active, and the legal case will depend on evidence gathered by detectives and prosecutors. The victims’ families and local business owners are seeking support and accountability as authorities proceed with the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Jesus Acosta, 31, was arrested Friday morning in connection with the two shooting investigations, according to police.
Where did the shootings occur?
One shooting occurred at a deli on East 149th Street in the Bronx. The other occurred at American Best Wings & Pizza on Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Who were the victims?
Relatives and fundraisers identified the deceased victims as Tayvon Shuler, known as “Plucky,” and MD Yousuf, a restaurant worker and father of two.
What is known about the suspect’s background?
Police records information reported in the article states that Acosta had 13 prior arrests and had been on parole since April after serving about 10 years for assault and criminal weapon possession.
