Two men identified in separate deadly shootings as police continue search for suspect
Police remain on the hunt for 31-year-old Jesus Acosta, accused of shooting and killing two men during two separate shootings in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
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Police have identified the two men killed in separate shootings in the Bronx and Brooklyn, as investigators continue their search for a suspect accused in both incidents.
Investigators say 33-year-old Tayvon Shuler was fatally shot inside a Bronx bodega on Monday. Police identify 44-year-old M.D. Yousef as the man killed during a shooting at a restaurant in Brooklyn on Sunday.
Police identified the alleged gunman as 31-year-old Jesus Acosta.
The shootings have prompted renewed calls from the United Bodegas of America for increased protections for bodega owners and tougher measures to address violent crime.
Speaking Tuesday in Mott Haven, UBA spokesman Fernando Mateo urged lawmakers to implement stricter gun laws and penalties, expand the use of panic buttons in stores, and allow business owners to legally carry firearms for self-defense.
“We need to be able to defend ourselves, defend our customers, defend our community. Right now we're sitting ducks,” Mateo said.
The news conference was held near East 149th Street and Walton Avenue, where police say Acosta entered a bodega on Monday, shot and killed Shuler, robbed the store, and injured a bodega employee.
Surveillance video from the incident shows the employee taking cover on the floor behind the cash register. The worker, who survived the encounter, said he was grateful to be alive.
According to investigators, Yousef was killed, and another man was wounded in that attack after Acosta allegedly opened fire inside a restaurant in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.
“These are two people that lost their lives, families lost relatives, communities lost loved ones; and we need to get serious about this,” he said.
State records show Acosta was released on parole approximately four months ago after serving an 11-year prison sentence for attempted murder.
The United Bodegas of America has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Acosta's arrest. The FBI has also announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
