The attorney of a man arrested in connection with the fatal gas station shooting in Garland says his client did not know his 14-year-old son, who police identified as the suspected shooter, had a gun.
Garland police arrested Richard Acosta Jr., 33, last week after he was accused of driving his son Abel Acosta to a gas station where the 14-year-old allegedly shot and killed three teenagers, leaving another critically injured.
The Dallas Express previously reported that Richard turned himself in after seeing himself on the news. The 33-year-old is now facing a capital murder charge on suspicion of driving his son to the scene of the crime.
However, Heath Harris, Richard’s attorney, said he believes his client did not know his son had a gun, and the evidence gathered will prove that, according to The Dallas Morning News.
According to The DMN, Harris claimed that Richard had initially gone into the gas station alone to pick up medicine for his wife, and after he returned to his pickup truck, Abel told him he needed to get something.
Harris said the 14-year-old then went inside alone, and moments later, Richard heard gunshots but didn’t know who fired the shots.
According to Harris, the 14-year-old ran back to the truck and was hysterical. Harris added that his client drove them both home before Abel got into another car and fled.
Harris also said evidence will show that his client went to look for his son but couldn’t find him. Richard later saw himself on the news and turned himself in.
Harris maintained that his client did not do anything to “solicit or encourage” the 14-year-old to carry out the fatal shooting.
Garland police are still looking for Abel Acosta, and according to a department spokesman, detectives are following up on leads and tips. Authorities said they believe Abel is armed and dangerous.
