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Lubbock Today
By the People, for the People
Federal Indictments in Deadly West Texas Smuggling Crash
Rassian Comer charged for conspiring to transport 11 illegal immigrants, resulting in deaths of 7-year-old, grandmother, and 2 others
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Rassian Comer was federally indicted for conspiring to transport 11 illegal immigrants from Sheffield, Texas to San Antonio in 2023, leading to a high-speed chase and crash that killed a 7-year-old girl, her grandmother, and two of the immigrants. Comer faces charges including conspiracy, transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tragic consequences of human smuggling operations and the need for stronger enforcement and deterrents to prevent such incidents that put innocent lives at risk. It also raises concerns about the dangers of high-speed police chases in residential areas.
The details
According to officials, on March 12, 2023, a Texas DPS trooper tried to pull over Comer's speeding pickup truck, but Comer fled at over 100 mph. During the chase, Comer went live on Facebook, showing the speedometer at 100 mph. A Crockett County deputy later spotted the truck, leading to a second pursuit. Comer ran a red light at over 80 mph and crashed into another vehicle, killing a 71-year-old grandmother and her 7-year-old granddaughter, as well as two of the immigrants in Comer's truck. Nine other immigrants in the truck suffered severe injuries, and a semi-automatic handgun was found in the vehicle.
- On March 12, 2023, the incident occurred.
- On February 12, 2026, Rassian Comer was federally indicted for his role in the deadly crash.
The players
Rassian Comer
A man accused of conspiring to transport 11 illegal immigrants from Sheffield, Texas to San Antonio, resulting in a deadly crash.
Maria Socorro Alvarez Tambunga
A 71-year-old grandmother who was killed in the crash.
Emilia Brooke Tambunga
A 7-year-old girl who was killed in the crash.
What they’re saying
“We will always prioritize these cases and use every single tool to hold those who commit these types of crimes accountable. Because it hurts our North Texas communities, and we will always seek justice for those victims.”
— Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas (kxan.com)
What’s next
Comer could face up to life in federal prison for the charges, which include one count of Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens Resulting in Death, 11 counts of Transportation of An Illegal Alien Resulting in Death, and one count of Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the devastating human toll of human smuggling operations and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and deterrents to prevent such incidents that put innocent lives at risk. It also highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases in residential areas and the importance of prioritizing public safety.
