Tragedy on I-10: How a 100-MPH Smuggling Chase Killed a Texas Grandmother and 7-Year-Old Girl
The Crash That Shook Ozona, Texas
The small West Texas town of Ozona will never forget the night of March 13, 2023. Around 7:40 p.m., a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper spotted a speeding 2021 Ram 1500 in Terrell County. What followed was a high-speed chase that would end in tragedy on Interstate 10, claiming four lives—including 71-year-old Maria Socorro Tambunga and her 7-year-old granddaughter, Emilia Tambunga, a second-grader at Ozona Elementary School.
The driver, Rassian Nateray Comer of Louisiana, now faces a 13-count federal indictment for his role in the crash. But this case is about more than just one reckless driver. It’s about a systemic failure that put innocent lives at risk—a failure that could have happened anywhere, including right here on Ozona County’s highways.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen how trucking companies, smuggling operations, and regulatory failures create deadly conditions on our roads. This case is a stark reminder of why we fight so hard for victims of commercial vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Ozona or anywhere in Texas, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The evidence in your case could disappear within days.
The Aftermath: Lives Shattered in an Instant
The Victims
- Maria Socorro Tambunga, 71 – A grandmother whose life was cut short in a preventable tragedy
- Emilia Tambunga, 7 – A second-grader at Ozona Elementary School, full of promise and potential
- Two unnamed Mexican nationals – Migrants seeking a better life, killed while being smuggled in dangerous conditions
The Family’s Grief
Family member Gin Jespersen shared a heartbreaking statement with media:
“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. 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.”
At Attorney911, we understand the pain these families are going through. When a trucking accident takes a loved one, the grief is compounded by anger at the preventable nature of the tragedy. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for families like the Tambungas. We know how to hold negligent parties accountable—and we won’t rest until justice is served.
Civil Liability: Who Else Is Responsible?
While Comer faces criminal charges, the civil justice system allows victims’ families to pursue compensation from all responsible parties. In cases like this, multiple entities may share liability:
1. The Smuggling Organization
Federal prosecutors allege Comer was part of a broader smuggling organization. These organizations often operate like businesses, with dispatchers, recruiters, and financial backers. If this organization pressured Comer to transport migrants under dangerous conditions, they could be held liable for the resulting deaths.
2. The Vehicle Owner
If the 2021 Ram 1500 was owned by someone other than Comer, the owner could be liable under negligent entrustment laws. These laws hold vehicle owners responsible when they allow unfit drivers to operate their vehicles.
3. The Cargo Loading Company
If the migrants were loaded into the truck by a third party, that company could be liable for:
– Improper loading (too many people in the cab and bed)
– Failure to secure passengers (no seatbelts, no safety restraints)
– Overloading the vehicle beyond its capacity
4. The Truck Manufacturer (If Applicable)
While this was a Ram 1500 pickup truck—not a traditional 18-wheeler—manufacturers can still be liable for:
– Defective safety systems (e.g., inadequate stability control for high-speed evasion)
– Failure to warn of known dangers (e.g., risks of high-speed chases with passengers in the bed)
5. Government Entities (Limited Circumstances)
In rare cases, government entities could share liability if:
– The chase was conducted in an unreasonably dangerous manner
– Road design contributed to the crash (e.g., lack of median barriers on I-10)
At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant in trucking accident cases. Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know how these companies try to avoid responsibility. We won’t let them hide behind corporate veils or legal technicalities.
FMCSA Regulations: The Rules That Were Broken
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict regulations for commercial vehicles. While this case involved a pickup truck—not a traditional 18-wheeler—many of the same principles apply. Here are the key regulations that were likely violated:
1. Reckless Driving (49 CFR § 392.2)
This regulation prohibits reckless driving by commercial vehicle operators. The indictment’s description of Comer’s behavior—crossing medians, driving the wrong way, running red lights at 84 mph—clearly violates this rule.
2. Speeding (49 CFR § 392.6)
Commercial drivers must operate at speeds safe for conditions. Traveling at 100+ mph on a public highway is a clear violation, especially with passengers in the vehicle.
3. Driver Fitness (49 CFR § 392.3)
This rule states:
“No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.”
While we don’t know Comer’s exact hours of service, the high-speed chase and Facebook Live video suggest he was operating in an impaired state—likely due to stress, adrenaline, or pressure from the smuggling operation.
4. Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
These regulations require that cargo (and in this case, passengers) be properly secured to prevent shifting that could affect vehicle stability. Having three migrants in the bed of the truck with no safety restraints is a clear violation.
5. Distracted Driving (49 CFR § 392.82)
The Facebook Live video shows Comer operating a handheld device while driving at 105 mph. This is a clear violation of FMCSA’s distracted driving rules, which prohibit:
– Using a hand-held mobile telephone while driving
– Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner that requires leaving a seated position
– Texting while driving
The Ozona County Connection: Why This Matters to Our Community
While this tragedy occurred in Terrell County, the same dangers exist right here in Ozona and Crockett County. Our firm has seen firsthand how trucking accidents devastate Texas families. Here’s why this case should concern every Ozona County resident:
1. I-10: A Dangerous Corridor
Interstate 10 runs through Ozona County, connecting El Paso to Houston. This stretch of highway sees:
– Heavy commercial truck traffic from the Port of Houston and West Texas oil fields
– High-speed smuggling operations transporting migrants and contraband
– Fatigued drivers pushing hours-of-service limits
– Distracted drivers using phones and dispatch systems
2. Oil Field Traffic
Ozona County is part of the Permian Basin oil patch, which means our roads see:
– Oversized loads transporting drilling equipment
– Hazmat trucks carrying flammable materials
– Fatigued drivers working long shifts in the oil fields
– Inexperienced drivers hired quickly during boom periods
3. Smuggling Routes
West Texas has become a hotspot for human smuggling. The same routes used to transport migrants often pass through Ozona County, putting local drivers at risk.
4. Local Law Enforcement Challenges
Small towns like Ozona have limited resources to monitor dangerous driving. When smugglers or reckless truckers pass through, local law enforcement may not have the manpower to stop them before tragedy strikes.
How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims
At Attorney911, we’ve built our practice on holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of commercial vehicle accidents. Here’s how we approach cases like this:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. We act immediately to:
– Send spoliation letters demanding preservation of black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs
– Secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses
– Preserve physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
– Interview witnesses before memories fade
Ralph Manginello emphasizes: “In trucking cases, the first 48 hours are critical. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. If you’ve been in a trucking accident, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 so we can start preserving evidence.”
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We leave no stone unturned. Our investigation includes:
– ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position
– ELD Records: Hours of service violations
– Driver Qualification File: Hiring practices, training records
– Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire history
– Cell Phone Records: Distracted driving evidence
– GPS/Telematics: Route and speed history
– Accident Reconstruction: How the crash happened
3. Identifying All Liable Parties
We pursue every responsible party, not just the driver. This may include:
– The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision)
– The vehicle owner (for negligent entrustment)
– The cargo loading company (for improper loading)
– The truck manufacturer (for defective parts)
– The smuggling organization (for pressuring the driver)
4. Fighting Insurance Company Tactics
Trucking companies and their insurers will try to minimize your claim. We know their tactics because our team includes former insurance defense attorneys. We counter their strategies with:
– Expert witnesses to prove liability and damages
– Medical documentation to show the full extent of injuries
– Economic analysis to calculate lost wages and future care needs
– Aggressive negotiation to maximize your settlement
5. Preparing for Trial
While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court. Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America.
The Attorney911 Difference: Why Choose Us?
When you’re up against a trucking company, you need a law firm with:
– Experience: 25+ years fighting trucking companies
– Resources: The ability to take on large corporations
– Insider Knowledge: Former insurance defense attorneys on our team
– Results: A track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
1. We Know Trucking Companies’ Tactics
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.
2. We Handle Complex Cases
Trucking accidents often involve:
– Multiple liable parties
– Federal regulations
– Catastrophic injuries
– High-stakes insurance policies
We have the experience and resources to handle these complexities.
3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We pursue all available damages, including:
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Mental anguish
– Loss of consortium (for spouses)
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
4. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court. Ralph Manginello has a proven track record of winning at trial.
5. We Treat You Like Family
We understand the trauma of a trucking accident. Our clients consistently praise our compassion, communication, and dedication. Here’s what some of them have said:
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
The Bottom Line: Justice for the Tambunga Family—and for You
The deaths of Maria and Emilia Tambunga were preventable. This tragedy was the result of:
– A reckless driver pushing a vehicle to dangerous speeds
– A smuggling operation that prioritized profit over safety
– Systemic failures that allowed this to happen
At Attorney911, we believe in holding negligent parties accountable. Whether it’s a trucking company, a smuggling organization, or an individual driver, we fight to ensure that justice is served and that victims are compensated.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Ozona or anywhere in Texas, you don’t have to fight alone. Our team is ready to stand with you, investigate your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. The evidence in your case could disappear within days—don’t wait.
Why Choose Attorney911? The Manginello Difference
When you’re up against a trucking company, you need a law firm that:
✅ Has 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Includes former insurance defense attorneys who know their tactics
✅ Has federal court experience for complex cases
✅ Has recovered millions for trucking accident victims
✅ Treats clients like family, not case numbers
Ralph Manginello has spent his career fighting for victims of negligence. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest corporations in America. When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a team that will fight aggressively for your rights.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about trucking accident injuries in our video: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries”
- Understand your rights after a trucking accident: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?”
- Discover how trucking companies try to minimize claims: “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?”
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.