Law enforcement officials have linked an alleged gunman to a tragic incident at a Bronx deli and to another fatal shooting in Brooklyn two days prior, authorities reported.
The search is on for 31-year-old Jesus Acosta, who has been identified by the NYPD as the prime suspect in two deadly incidents that have rocked New York City in quick succession, police shared with the media.
The most recent shooting took place around 12:16 a.m. on Tuesday at 149 Grill & Deli, located at 143 East 149th Street in the Bronx. During this incident, a shooter approached a 33-year-old customer and fired several shots into his chest, according to law enforcement and FOX 5 New York.
The police have named 31-year-old Jesus Acosta as their suspect for the two separate shootings that shook both Brooklyn and the Bronx within days. (@NYPDnews via X)
According to authorities, following the gunfire, the assailant seized an unspecified amount of cash from the store’s register before making a swift escape.
The victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital and was initially listed in stable condition, but later died from his injuries Tuesday. Police subsequently deemed the case a homicide.
Acosta is also wanted in connection with a shooting inside 842 Rockaway Ave. in Brooklyn shortly after midnight Sunday that left a 44-year-old man dead and another man wounded, the NYPD said.
The New York Post identified the location as American Best Wings & Pizza.
Surveillance image released by the NYPD shows a person sought in connection with a deadly Bronx deli robbery. (NYPD)
Officers responding to a 911 call about an assault in progress found the 44-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the head and a 39-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
Both men were taken to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where the 44-year-old was pronounced dead. The 39-year-old man was listed in stable condition, according to police.
“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,” the NYPD wrote on X before announcing that the Bronx victim had also died.
Acosta is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes.
The NYPD released surveillance images while seeking the public’s help locating Jesus Acosta. (NYPD)
He has the word “Bronx” tattooed on his hand and the name “Bobby” tattooed on his left forearm, the NYPD told News Media.
Police released surveillance images of Acosta and are urging anyone who recognizes him to come forward.