Warden of West Texas immigration detention center and brother are accused of manslaughter in migrant’s shooting death

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EL PASO — Two males shot two migrants, killing one and injuring one other, earlier this week whereas the 2 victims stood alongside a West Texas highway getting water, authorities stated. One of many alleged shooters is reportedly a warden for a privately run immigration detention middle.

Two brothers had been arrested in connection to the capturing that occurred Tuesday on FM 1111 in Hudspeth County, roughly 4 miles south of Sierra Blanca, in line with the Texas Division of Public Security. They had been recognized as Mike Thomas Sheppard and Mark Edward Sheppard, each 60.

The San Antonio Specific-Information reported that Mike Sheppard was the warden of the West Texas Detention Middle, run by the Louisiana-based LaSalle Corrections, an organization that operates jails, prisons and immigration detention facilities.

The lads, who had been charged with manslaughter, had been in a truck after they pulled over and shot at a gaggle of migrants, in line with DPS. Brokers from the U.S. Border Patrol’s Sierra Blanca checkpoint had been additionally known as to assist the Hudspeth County Sheriff’s Workplace “find a feminine gunshot sufferer” round 9:15 p.m., a spokesperson for the federal company stated.

Hudspeth Sheriff Arvin West didn’t instantly return an e-mail Thursday.

The car linked to the capturing belonged to LaSalle Corrections, in line with the Specific-Information. Border Patrol helped hint the truck and investigators found the car was assigned to Mike Sheppard, in line with the newspaper.

Scott Sutterfield, a spokesperson for LaSalle Corrections, stated in a press release that Sheppard not labored for the corporate.

“The warden on the West Texas Detention Middle (WTDC), Sierra Blanca, TX has been terminated on account of an off-duty incident unrelated to his employment,” Sutterfield stated.

It was not clear why the lads had been accused of manslaughter versus one other potential legal cost. A DPS spokesperson referred additional questions in regards to the capturing to prosecutors in El Paso, the place jail information present the 2 brothers had been being held.

Court docket information, nevertheless, didn’t present both of the lads had been formally charged as of Thursday afternoon with a criminal offense.

A county court docket clerk in El Paso stated there have been no paperwork accessible but as a result of the lads had been not too long ago booked.

The wounded particular person, recognized by DPS solely as a feminine, was taken to Del Sol Hospital in El Paso, the place she was recovering.

Jeanette Harper, an FBI particular agent in El Paso, confirmed the company had offered sources to Texas Rangers for an proof restoration scene however deferred additional remark to DPS because it was the main investigative authority.

The New York Instances, citing “affidavits filed by investigators,” reported the group was strolling round 7 p.m. after they stopped at a water tank. The group hid when a truck approached.

The migrants later advised federal brokers they’d heard one of many males shout in Spanish for them to “Come out,” in line with the Instances’ report. Finally, the driving force revved the truck’s engine, fired a gun, climbed again into the truck and drove away.

The lads, per the Instances, stated in interviews with legislation enforcement that they’d been out searching for animals to shoot.

Mark Sheppard stated that they’d stopped the truck as a result of they believed they’d noticed a javelina, in line with the Instances. He denied yelling something.

In an unsigned e-mail response Thursday night, the El Paso district lawyer’s workplace advised the Tribune to contact DPS for the affidavits.

A DPS spokesperson stated they didn’t have copies of the information to launch.

Robert Downen contributed to this story.

Disclosure: New York Instances has been a monetary supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partially by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no position within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full checklist of them right here.