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.

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