Manhunt continues for suspected gunman wanted in 2 deadly shootings days apart
MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) -- A suspected killer remains on the run Wednesday after police say he killed two people days apart in New York City.
The first incident happened at a restaurant in Brooklyn where a worker was killed and the other happened at a bodega in the Bronx where a customer was fatally shot.
Police are looking for 31-year-old Jesus Acosta in connection to both crimes.
He has 13 prior arrests, starting with an armed robbery when he was 14 years old. He served 10 years in state prison for shooting a man on a subway platform and was released on parole in April.
Acosta is accused of walking into 149 Grill in the Melrose section of the Bronx just after midnight on Tuesday. Surveillance video shows him pulling out a gun and shooting a customer, 33-year-old Tayvon Shuler.
The video then shows him go behind the counter to steal money from the register while customers and employees scrambled and tried to take cover.
Shuler, who was known as Plucky, died at the hospital.
On Wednesday, his father came to the deli to see the growing memorial for his son.
"He's a good kid, he would give the shirt of his back, he's going to me missed," Douglas Shuler said. "That's my youngest. His brothers aren't too fond of what happened...just got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. But that's how the city is, he's going to be missed."
Shuler said the suspect should turn himself in or the streets will get him.
Just two days before Acosta is accused of killing Plucky, police say he walked into American Best Wings and Pizza in Brownsville, Brooklyn on Sunday.
Authorities say he injured one worker and shot and killed another, 44-year-old MD Yousuf, who was a father of two daughters -- 12 and 3 years old.
Store employees there said Acosta managed to get through a door and behind the counter and started shooting before running off with their money.
The United Bodegas of America says more needs to be done to protect communities against gun violence. They are offering $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Police say Acosta has distinctive tattoos, including "Bronx" tattooed on his hand and "Bobby" tattooed on his left forearm.
Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers.
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