LAREDO, Texas - A 27-year-old Laredo resident has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy which resulted in the death of an undocumented alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On Nov. 5, 2020, law enforcement attempted to pull over David Valadaz, but he fled. He then crashed into the fence of a local business before fleeing on foot. Three undocumented aliens were in the vehicle, one of whom was in the trunk.
The individual in the truck of the vehicle was deceased when authorities found him. Another had suffered serious bodily injury requiring surgery to his elbow.
Sentencing has been scheduled for June 17 before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. At that time, Valadaz faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Valadez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Brown and April Ayers-Perez are prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
