Reward for North Texas triple murder suspect who fled to Mexico now $70K
The FBI and Garland police announced a $70,000 reward on Wednesday for anyone with information that leads to the arrest of a man accused of fatally shooting three teenagers and injuring another at a convenience store in 2021.
The reward includes $50,000 from the FBI and $20,000 from Garland Crime Stoppers, Garland police said in a social media post.
The suspect, Abel Elias Acosta, 18, is wanted in Dallas County on capital murder charges. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Acosta in the Northern District of Texas for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, according to a news release from the FBI.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the release stated.
2021 triple homicide in Garland
Garland police officers responded to a shooting at a convenience store on the evening of Dec. 26, 2021, according to the release.
When officers arrived, Ivan Noyala, 16, Rafael Garcia, 17, and Xavier Gonzalez, 14, were found dead, and a fourth victim was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
Acosta, who was 14 at the time, was identified as the shooter and a state warrant for capital murder was issued. Investigators believe Acosta, who has not been seen since the night of the killings, fled to Mexico and remains there, the release stated.
The suspected shooter’s father, Richard Acosta Jr., was found guilty by a Dallas County jury of capital murder in February 2023, for playing a role in the murders by driving his son to and from the convenience store, the Star-Telegram reported.
“We know he has longstanding ties to the Garland area, and we ask anyone with information to contact the FBI. The FBI will continue to work with our partners at the Garland Police Department to bring justice to the victims’ families and the Garland community,” FBI Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said in the release.
“For the family, friends, and the entire community, this case remains a wound that cannot begin to heal until justice is served,” Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing that justice, and we are grateful for the continued partnership of the FBI and all agencies working alongside us. We hope this reward encourages anyone with information about Abel Acosta’s whereabouts to provide that information to law enforcement. We also urge Abel Acosta to find the resolve to do what is right and come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or the FBI Dallas Field Office at 972-559-5000. Tips can also be submitted digitally at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 12:55 PM.