Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal Reentry into the United States after Vehicle Crash Results in Six Deaths Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma Dateline: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Date: 1 December 2023 Subjects: American Government , Crime

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JOSE PAXTOR-OXLAJ, 43, of Guatemala, was charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry after removal from the United States, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on November 21, 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj was the driver of a vehicle that was involved in an accident near Elk City, Oklahoma, in which his six passengers died, and a seventh passenger was critically injured. An investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed Paxtor-Oxlaj was ordered to be removed by an Immigration Judge on June 29, 2010, and had been removed from the United States to Guatemala on July 9, 2010. According to ICE investigators, Paxtor-Oxlaj did not have permission to reenter the United States after his prior deportation. 

If found guilty, Paxtor-Oxlaj, depending on the extent of his criminal history, could face up to 20 years in federal prison. 

This case is the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and Elizabeth Joynes.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Paxtor-Oxlaj is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

Updated March 4, 2025