Two Texas Men Indicted in the Death of 53 Migrants Found in Hot Truck

Two Texas men were indicted in the deaths of 53 migrants found in a hot truck, officials said. On Wednesday, a federal grand jury indicted the two men on charges related to the smuggling operation that killed 53 migrants in San Antonio last month.

Homero Zamorano, the truck’s driver, and Christian Martinez, the operation planner, if convicted, each Texas native could face life sentences or even the death penalty for transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally, resulting in death.

The men were also indicted on charges of transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally, resulting in serious injury.

The massive deaths resulting from the terrible conditions in the truck, and the sweltering heat, were the deadliest migrant smuggling operation crossing the US border from Mexico. 

Zamorano, 46, and Martinez, 28, are held in federal custody without bail.

Last month Zamorano was located near where the truck was discovered, in a field, and he was arrested.

The charges could result in life sentences for the men, or the Attorney General’s Office could allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty instead.