Federal Charges Filed in Texas Smuggling Crash
Almost three years after a tragic high-speed chase in Ozona, Texas, claimed the lives of a grandmother and her young granddaughter, a federal grand jury has now indicted a man identified by Louisiana officials as the driver.
Lasian Nateley Comer is facing 13 federal charges linked to a March 13, 2023, incident that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including 71-year-old Maria Scolo Tambunga and her 7-year-old granddaughter, Emilia, who was a second-grader at Ozona Elementary School.
The indictment states that the chase began around 7:40 p.m. when a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper noticed a speeding 2021 Ram 1500 in Terrell County. It’s alleged that Comer did not stop and instead sped over 100 mph before veering onto Interstate 10. The truck reportedly crossed the median twice and even drove against traffic towards Ozona at one point.
Comer is accused of traveling around 134 mph when he ran a red light, crashing into Maria Tambunga’s pickup. Both Maria and Emilia were pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors claim that Comer was transporting 11 immigrants who had recently entered the U.S. illegally—eight in taxis and three in the truck’s bed. Tragically, two of the Mexican nationals in the bed were injured and died due to the crash, while nine others sustained serious injuries.
Tim Raymond, the acting assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Lubbock, emphasized the serious risks associated with smuggling activities, stating, “Human smuggling is a life-threatening crime, not just for those being smuggled, but for the public as well. This case is a tragic example of the consequences.”
The indictment also alleges that Comer live-streamed on Facebook during the pursuit, briefly showing police lights behind him and a speedometer reading 165 mph. Furthermore, authorities reported finding a stolen 9mm handgun beneath the truck’s brake pedal. Federal prosecutors believe Comer was part of a larger smuggling operation.
The charges against Comer include conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death, 11 counts of illegal transport of aliens resulting in death, and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the smuggling charge, which carries the potential for the death penalty, Comer could face life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould stated, “These are serious charges brought to address the seriousness of the defendant’s alleged conduct. If convicted, they could sentence Mr. Comer to life in federal prison.” He further stressed the commitment of the Department of Justice to holding offenders accountable for such crimes.
A family member, Jin Jespersen, expressed gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement, saying, “Your determination will ensure that Mama Koch and Emilia’s memories are no longer whispers in the wind, but a catalyst for real change. We stand grateful, empowered, and steadfast.”
