In a tragic turn of events that unfolded nearly three years ago, a high-speed chase related to migrant smuggling cut through the quiet town of Ozona, West Texas, claiming the lives of a grandmother and her young granddaughter. Now, the Louisiana man accused of driving the vehicle involved is facing a federal grand jury’s indictment.
Rassian Nateray Comer has been charged with a 13-count federal indictment for his alleged role in the deadly crash on March 13, 2023. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including 71-year-old Maria Socorro Tambunga and her 7-year-old granddaughter, Emilia Tambunga, who was a second-grader at Ozona Elementary School.
The indictment outlines the chaotic pursuit that started around 7:40 p.m. when a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper observed a 2021 Ram 1500 speeding in Terrell County. Instead of complying with the order to stop, Comer allegedly accelerated to over 100 mph, heading east on Interstate 10. The document details how the truck crossed the median twice and even traveled against traffic before veering off toward Ozona.
As per the authorities, Comer ran a red light at approximately 84 mph, crashing into Maria Tambunga’s pickup truck, resulting in the immediate deaths of Maria and her granddaughter Emilia.
The indictment further reveals that Comer was allegedly transporting 11 migrants who had recently entered the U.S. illegally. Eight were cramped inside the truck’s cab, while three were in the bed. Tragically, two Mexican nationals riding in the truck bed succumbed to their injuries, and nine others sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Prosecutors allege Comer was transporting 11 migrants who had recently crossed into the United States illegally — eight in the cab and three in the bed of the truck. Two Mexican nationals riding in the bed died from injuries sustained in the crash, and nine others were seriously injured.
Tim Raymond, acting assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Lubbock, said the case highlights the broader dangers tied to smuggling operations.
The intersection of 15th Street and Avenue E in Ozona, Texas, where authorities say a 100-mph smuggling chase ended in a crash that killed a grandmother and her 7-year-old granddaughter in March 2023. (Google Maps)
“Human smuggling is a crime that puts lives at risk. It’s dangerous, not only to those being smuggled, but also members of the public. This case is a tragic example of the consequences,” Raymond said.
The indictment further alleges that Comer went live on Facebook during the chase, briefly showing police lights flashing behind him before panning to a speedometer reading 105 mph. Authorities also say a stolen 9mm handgun was found under the truck’s brake pedal. Federal prosecutors allege Comer was operating as part of a broader smuggling organization.
Authorities say the crash occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Avenue E in Ozona, Texas, after a high-speed smuggling pursuit. (Google Maps)
The indictment includes 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. If convicted on the death-resulting smuggling charges, Comer could face up to life in prison.
“These are significant charges brought to address the severity of the defendant’s alleged conduct,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said. “They subject Comer to a potential life sentence in federal prison if he is convicted.”
“Let me be clear,” Raybould added. “The Department of Justice stands up for crime victims. We will always prioritize these cases and use every single tool to hold those who commit these types of crimes accountable.”
“Yet, in this sea of grief and fury, we find a beacon of hope and justice through the unwavering efforts of the Trump DOJ, led by the formidable Pam Bondi, Ryan Raybould, and the Jeff Haag team—your dedication to holding the guilty accountable restores a sliver of faith in our fight for righteousness,” family member Gin Jespersen told Fox News Digital in a statement. “And an extended, profound thank you to Stephen Dodd, the Texas DA, for pressing forward with the Texas case despite the obstacles; your resolve ensures that Mom Coke and Emilia’s memories fuel real change, not forgotten whispers in the wind. We stand grateful, empowered, and unyielding.”
