Ernesto Gonzalez Acosta: Friends to Hold Memorial for Man Murdered Near Alamo Square

By Erin Sherbert Wed., Feb. 13 2013 at 9:40 AM

via Facebook

Ernesto's face spotted in the Haight

Family and friends of Ernesto Gonzalez Acosta, the 23-year-old man who was gunned down last weekend in the city's Western Addition neighborhood, are trying to make sense of the unsolved murder still being investigated by police.

To get some closure, friends and family are planning a Saturday memorial service for Acosta at the corner of Webster and Hayes -- the location where he was shot.

Per Acosta's memorial Facebook page:

In addition to any offerings that you feel will honor Xe, bring a candle to light in his memory. Music is welcomed and encouraged.
Please help us spread the word :).

On Saturday, police were called to the intersection of Webster and Hayes streets about 2 a.m. on reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they found Acosta on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital where he later died. Police said this morning they have yet to name any suspects, nor do they have a motive for the crime, said Officer Gordon Shyy.

However, SF Weekly received an e-mail last night from someone who claimed to know Acosta, informing us that he was a "completely innocent young man." "He had a full time job at Whole Foods, was currently enrolled at CCSF, and lived in his VW bus to save money to travel the world," according to the e-mail.

We attempted to contact folks close to Acosta, but have not heard back yet. We'll update this story when we do. In the meantime, here's some thoughtful comments from the Facebook page:

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call SFPD Homicide Detail at 553-1145, or the anonymous tip line at 575-4444. You can also text a tip to TIP411 and begin the text with SFPD.

Follow @sfweekly

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fvfabita

I can not get over the fact that you are no longer with us. Xe' truly had the heart of an innocent child with the knowledge of a teacher. He had so many dreams to to live in Latin America and pursue teaching out there. I have never met another young man that was willing to help others without expecting anything. I remember how he would tell me all fascinating stories about his traveling adventures and the mayan calendar. He helped me so many time with my groceries ans at time when somethings where tough --it was always a pleasure walking into Whole Foods and seeing that bright smile and beautiful hair. I am truly sadden by this horrific act and I hope that the shooter serves justice.

kiweephunk

A Peace Ceremony celebrating the life of Ernesto Xe Acosta will be held at Alamo Square Park at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, followed a candlelight vigil at the Corner of Hayes and Webster streets at 5:30 p.m.

The ceremony in the park will feature Aztek Dancers, an open mic, and music is welcomed and encouraged. Please feel free to bring your instrument of choice and any offerings that you feel will honor Xe. Please bring a candlelight to light in his memory.
...

Xe was a beautiful soul. His young life was ended abruptly on the morning of February 10, when he was shot and killed while walking along Hayes and Webster streets. There are still no suspects in his case.

While we want to take comfort in celebrating Xe's incredible journey, we also hope to use this day to draw attention to the issue of gun control and to rally against gun violence. We are asking everyone who knew and loved Xe to help support us in this cause. — with U.

Xesca

Please help spread the word:

ERNESTO XE ACOSTA MEMORIAL FUND

Contributions in check form may be mailed to: Education Employees Credit Union P.O. Box 5242 Fresno, CA 93755

Made payable to the Ernesto Xe Acosta Memorial Fund

Re: Acct #11376356

cynthia.burk

1 Like

I had the pleasure of working with Xe at Whole Foods, and being his friend. He was the most passive, peaceful, deep-thinking, deeply-giving soul you could ever imagine. The fact that he met such needlessly violent ends is unimaginable. I cannot think of a single perosn who deserved that less. Please, do NOT let this story slip through the cracks.

jsv207

1 Like

He is in my class this semester. Just shock to see his picture outside my work place. I work at the laundry mat every night and don't feel unsafe that area. My condolence to his family