Manuel Acosta
Manuel Acosta lived in his studio located on 366 Buena Vista. He was a very generous man and had hired an illegal immigrant from Mexico to do small work like working in the yard or painting some parts of the house. His name was Cesar Najera Flores. They had known each other for 7 to 10 years and they had paid him about $500 to $700 dollars over the years.
One night before Manuel Acosta's exhibition, Najera came and knocked on the door claiming the police were after him. Acosta opened up and offered him some money and a ride to the bridge. Manuel never got the chance to because he was murdered that night. Albert Jemente, Manuel Acosta's nephew, discovered his body when he broke into the studio the next day out of concern about Manuel's absence at the exhibition. A brand new pair of shoes, $80, and Manuel's van were all stolen by Cesar.
After his death Albert Jemente was appointed administrator of Acosta's estate, responsible of all of Manuel's assets, including the studio and paintings. No official will was found until about a year after his death. Attorney Robert Pearson was hired to handle Manuel Acosta's estate.Today Manuel Acosta is remembered as one of the most famous artists from El Paso and will always be a part of the El Paso culture.
One night before Manuel Acosta's exhibition, Najera came and knocked on the door claiming the police were after him. Acosta opened up and offered him some money and a ride to the bridge. Manuel never got the chance to because he was murdered that night. Albert Jemente, Manuel Acosta's nephew, discovered his body when he broke into the studio the next day out of concern about Manuel's absence at the exhibition. A brand new pair of shoes, $80, and Manuel's van were all stolen by Cesar.
After his death Albert Jemente was appointed administrator of Acosta's estate, responsible of all of Manuel's assets, including the studio and paintings. No official will was found until about a year after his death. Attorney Robert Pearson was hired to handle Manuel Acosta's estate.Today Manuel Acosta is remembered as one of the most famous artists from El Paso and will always be a part of the El Paso culture.