HOUSTON (AP) -- A South Texas street gang member sent to death row for the fatal shooting of four women 10 years ago has lost a federal court appeal.
The ruling Monday from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals moves 30-year-old Robert Garza a step closer to execution.
Evidence showed he fired at least 50 bullets into a car, killing the women who were illegal immigrants from Mexico working at a bar in Donna, a border town southeast of Edinburg.
Garza was identified as belonging to the Tri-City Bombers and was carrying out a gang-ordered hit on women who had testified against a gang member.
Evidence also showed the hit was botched and the victims weren't involved in the other case.
Garza's appeal contended he had deficient legal help at his trial.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT