FBI Offers $50,000 Reward for Texas Teen Wanted in Triple Homicide

Abel Elias Acosta, now 21, allegedly killed 3 teens in 2021 and has been on the run since

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence and investigation into a violent crime.The FBI's $50,000 reward aims to uncover new leads in the unsolved triple homicide that has haunted the Garland community.Dallas Today

The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Abel Elias Acosta, a Texas teenager who is wanted for a 2021 triple homicide in Garland, Texas. Acosta, who was 14 years old at the time, allegedly shot and killed three teenagers at a convenience store in December 2021. He has been on the run since the incident and is believed to have fled to Mexico.

Why it matters

This case has remained unresolved for over 5 years, leaving the Garland community and the victims' families without closure. The large reward amount reflects the FBI's commitment to tracking down Acosta and bringing him to justice for the brutal killings.

The details

On December 26, 2021, Acosta allegedly ambushed four teenagers at a convenience store in Garland, Texas, killing 14-year-old Xavier Gonzalez, 16-year-old Ivan Loyola, and 17-year-old Rafael Garcia. A fourth teen was also shot but survived. Acosta was later identified as the shooter, leading to a state warrant for capital murder being issued. Authorities believe he fled to Mexico after the incident and has remained on the run since then.

  • The shooting occurred on December 26, 2021.
  • Acosta's father, Richard Acosta, was convicted in 2023 of capital murder for acting as the getaway driver following the shooting.
  • The FBI announced the $50,000 reward for information on Acosta's whereabouts on April 8, 2026.

The players

Abel Elias Acosta

A 21-year-old Texas teenager who is wanted for a 2021 triple homicide in Garland, Texas. He allegedly shot and killed three teenagers at a convenience store when he was 14 years old and has been on the run since then.

Richard Acosta

The father of Abel Elias Acosta, who was convicted in 2023 of capital murder for acting as the getaway driver following the 2021 shooting.

R. Joseph Rothrock

The FBI Special Agent in Charge who announced the $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Abel Elias Acosta.

Jeff Bryan

The Garland Police Department Chief who stated the department's commitment to pursuing justice for the victims and their families.

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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 Special Agent in Charge

“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, Garland Police Department Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the $70,000 total reward to be offered for information leading to Acosta's arrest.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of tracking down violent offenders who flee justice, and the importance of community cooperation and large rewards to help solve cold cases and bring closure to victims' families.