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In a tragic incident that unfolded nearly three years ago, a federal grand jury has charged a Louisiana man with multiple counts related to a deadly high-speed chase through Ozona, a small town in West Texas. The chase resulted in the deaths of a grandmother and her young granddaughter.
Rassian Nateray Comer has been indicted on 13 federal charges following the fatal accident on March 13, 2023. The crash claimed the lives of four people, including 71-year-old Maria Socorro Tambunga and her 7-year-old granddaughter, Emilia Tambunga, who was a second-grade student at Ozona Elementary School.
The indictment details that the incident began around 7:40 p.m. when a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper noticed a 2021 Ram 1500 speeding in Terrell County. Prosecutors assert that Comer ignored orders to stop, instead increasing his speed to over 100 miles per hour. He continued eastward on Interstate 10, reportedly crossing the median twice and even driving against traffic before heading towards Ozona.
Officials claim that Comer ran a red light at approximately 84 mph, colliding with Maria Tambunga’s pickup truck. Both Maria and Emilia were declared dead at the scene of the crash.
The community mourns the loss of Emilia Brooke Tambunga and her grandmother, Maria Socorro Tambunga, whose lives were tragically cut short. (Photo credit: Preddy Funeral Home)
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.
Family photo provided by Gin Jespersen, showing Emilia Brooke Tambunga and Maria Socorro Tambunga. (Gin Jespersen)
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.”