Bronx bodega killing: 31-year-old faces first-degree murder count, prosecutors say

Jesus Acosta, 31, of the Bronx, faces a top count of first-degree murder after an indictment in the Aug. 25 killing of a man inside a bodega at 143 East 149th St. The Bronx District Attorney’s office announced Tuesday that he had been arraigned on that count and related charges. Acosta remains in custody.

What prosecutors say happened in the Bronx bodega shooting

According to prosecutors, Acosta walked into the store shortly after midnight and shot Tayvon Shuler. Prosecutors allege he next opened fire on two people behind the counter, grabbed money from the register and pulled an item out of Shuler’s backpack as Shuler lay mortally wounded, then ran off.

The arrest came four days later.

“No one should fear for their safety when simply going to a bodega,” District Attorney Darcel Clark said, promising in a written statement to win justice for the victim and his loved ones.

Accused in a second fatal shooting in Brownsville

Acosta had been released from state prison on parole only months before. He also stands accused in a deadly shooting at a restaurant in Brownsville, Brooklyn, that took place two days before the bodega killing. Police identified the man who died there as MD Yousef, 44. A second victim, a 39-year-old man, was struck in the leg and taken to a hospital, where his condition was described as stable.

Acosta’s next court date is Dec. 14. A request for comment sent to his attorney drew no immediate response.