FBI & Garland Police Offer $50,000 Reward for Fugitive Accused of Killing 3 Teens

Authorities seek public's help in locating Abel Elias Acosta, wanted for 2021 capital murder in Texas

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:40pm

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The FBI and Garland Police Department have announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Abel Elias Acosta, who is wanted for the 2021 capital murder of three teenagers in Garland, Texas. Acosta, who was 14 years old at the time of the shooting, has been on the run since the night of the murders and is believed to have fled to Mexico.

Why it matters

This case has deeply impacted the Garland community, leaving three young lives tragically cut short. Authorities remain committed to finding Acosta and bringing him to justice, but need the public's assistance to locate the fugitive, who is considered armed and dangerous.

The details

On the evening of December 26, 2021, Garland police responded to a convenience store where they found three juvenile victims deceased from gunshot wounds, and a fourth victim transferred to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Acosta was identified as the alleged shooter and a state warrant for capital murder was issued, but he has not been seen since the night of the murders. Investigators believe Acosta fled to Mexico and remains there.

  • On the evening of December 26, 2021, the shooting incident occurred in Garland, Texas.
  • In 2021, Abel Elias Acosta was 14 years old at the time of the alleged murders.
  • In 2026, Abel Elias Acosta is now 18 years old and remains a fugitive.

The players

Abel Elias Acosta

An 18-year-old white Hispanic male who was born in Garland, Texas, and is wanted for capital murder of multiple persons in connection with the 2021 shooting deaths of three teenagers in Garland. He is considered armed and dangerous.

R. Joseph Rothrock

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge.

Jeff Bryan

Chief of the Garland Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Today, the FBI is announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Abel Elias Acosta. 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.”

— R. Joseph Rothrock, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge

“For the family, friends, and the entire community, this case remains a wound that cannot begin to heal until justice is served. 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.”

— Jeff Bryan, Chief of the Garland Police Department

What’s next

The FBI and Garland Police Department are urging anyone with information about Abel Acosta's whereabouts to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the FBI's 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.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down dangerous fugitives, especially those who may have fled across international borders. The community's cooperation and vigilance will be crucial in helping authorities locate and apprehend Abel Acosta to bring justice for the victims and their families.