A Bronx man has been indicted on murder and related charges after he allegedly shot a man inside a bodega and robbed him as he lay mortally wounded, the Bronx District Attorney’s office announced Tuesday.
The man, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Bronx resident Jesus Acosta, is accused of entering a bodega at 143 East 149th St. shortly after midnight on Aug. 25 and shooting Tayvon Shuler. Prosecutors said Acosta then fired at two other people standing behind the counter and took money from the cash register.
Acosta also allegedly took an item from Shuler’s backpack before fleeing, according to prosecutors.
“No one should fear for their safety when simply going to a bodega,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a statement. “We will get justice for the victim and his loved ones.”
Acosta was arrested four days after the shooting.
Acosta, who had been paroled from state prison just months earlier, also stands accused of another fatal shooting at a restaurant in Brownsville two days before the bodega shooting.
MD Yousef, 44, was killed in that shooting and another 39-year-old man was shot in the leg and hospitalized in stable condition, according to police.
Acosta was arraigned Tuesday on first-degree murder and related charges and remains in custody. He is scheduled to return to court Dec. 14.
Acosta’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.