Authorities believe fatal robbery was actually botched visa scheme, court docs show

Authorities in Texas believe that a fatal incident in Texas in which a bystander shot an apparent robber in January was actually the result of an elaborate visa scheme.

Court documents have indicated that police discovered telegram messages between the late Rasshauud Scott and William X Winfrey, in which the pair planned to stage the robbery, Fox 26 reported. Scott was allegedly killed by the bystander Jesus Vargas, who was on probation and not permitted to possess a gun. Court documents show that he later met with police. Charges have been sent to a grand jury though it has not returned a decision.

Winfrey has been charged with murder in connection with Scott's death. He allegedly told Scott to stage the robbery in conjunction with two fake victims for money.

The point of the scheme, authorities allege, was to secure a U-Visa, which the Department of Homeland Security may grant to victims of some crimes and which offers an array of immigration and residency benefits.

"The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens and other crimes, while also protecting victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to the crime and are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity," according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "The legislation also helps law enforcement agencies to better serve victims of crimes."

Scott and Winfrey allegedly staged at least two prior robberies for the purpose of securing U-Visas.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.