Illegal Immigrant Charged in Natural Gas Theft

An illegal immigrant from Mexico has been charged with tampering and murder after a botched attempt to steal natural gas. 31-Year-Old Vidal Ocha's bond was set at $1.25 million Tuesday by Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Bobby Contreras.

Ochoa and his two cohorts, Reymundo Sanchez and Mario Dominguez, were all injured in an explosion at a well site near McCook. Dominguez died and Ochoa says Sanchez fled across the border. They are believed to have accidentally caused the explosion.

Ochoa appeared in court  Tuesday with burns to the right side of his face and right arm. He requested an attorney. He has admitted to three other similar thefts.