Texas brothers accused of fatally shooting one migrant, wounding another face additional charges

Twin brothers accused of opening fire on a group of migrants, fatally striking one and wounding another, are facing additional charges in connection with the deadly violence.

Michael and Mark Sheppard face counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in addition to manslaughter. They were re-arrested on Wednesday by Texas state troopers, just days after they posted bond, $250,000 each, on the initial charges.

Both of the men have close ties to law enforcement — Michael Sheppard was the warden at a privately-run prison in the area while Mark Sheppard was employed by as a maintenance worker for the sheriff’s office. They’re accused of shooting at migrants near Sierra Blanca, a small town in the Chihuahuan Desert located about 25 miles from the Mexican border on September 27.

The group told authorities they’d stopped to collect water from a reservoir when a passing pickup truck sped by and then circled back to them.

Booking photos for Mike Thomas Sheppard and Mark Edward Sheppard.

According affidavits for their initial arrest, the Sheppard brothers shouted profanities at the group before Michael fired off two rounds. As they migrants took cover in nearby brush, the pair allegedly shouted insults in Spanish.

One man was killed in the gunfire while a woman was wounded. She was hospitalized and is expected to recover. Arrangements are being made for the body of the deceased victim to be repatriated to Mexico.

The migrants were also able to provide a description of the vehicle to officers, who tracked it down to Michael Sheppard’s driveway. While he acknowledged the truck belonged to him, Michael was otherwise “reluctant to speak,” according to the affidavit. His brother later told investigators that they thought they were shooting at javelinas, a type of wild pig, but did not check to see if they’d hit anything.

Both men have since been fired from their posts.

They are due back in court on Wednesday for new bond hearings.

With News Wire Services