In a 2003 case in Texas, 19 people died after being left inside an airtight truck-trailer, in what was then called the nation’s deadliest smuggling attempt. Ten other adults and one child were injured, officials said. Of the 53, 26 were citizens of Mexico, 21 were citizens of Guatemala, and six were citizens of Honduras, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office said. Most of those who died were from Mexico and Guatemala. The firearms charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, the U.S. Neither is charged in the human smuggling. attorney’s office said.Ī handgun was found in the truck D’Luna-Bilbao was driving, and other guns were found at that home, according to court documents.
#2 men and a truck registration
The men were taken into custody in separate traffic stops after they left the San Antonio home listed on the registration for the tractor-trailer, the U.S. They are Mexican citizens who said they overstayed their visas, according to a criminal complaint previously filed against them. Juan Francisco D’Luna-Bilbao and Juan Claudio D’Luna-Mendez are charged with one count each of possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States, the U.S. Two other men arrested in connection with the investigation into the smuggling incident were indicted on weapons charges Wednesday, prosecutors said. Those counts can carry up to 20 years in prison each. In addition to the charges related to the deaths, both men were also indicted on one count each of conspiracy and transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy, prosecutors said. Police and fire officials described arriving to find bodies inside the tractor-trailer, and patients who were hot to the touch.
#2 men and a truck driver
Martinez’ phone showed he communicated with Zamorano, asking where he was, and a confidential informant allegedly told investigators that Martinez admitted being involved and that he identified the driver as “Homer,” according to a criminal complaint.Īccording to the criminal complaint, Martinez “said the driver was unaware the air conditioning unit stopped working and was the reason why the individuals died.” He was allegedly seen hiding in brush and was arrested by San Antonio police who responded to the truck, according to court documents. Zamorano matched the description and was wearing the same clothes as the driver of the vehicle, seen in surveillance video at an immigration checkpoint, prosecutors have said. Those two counts carry up to life in prison or the death penalty, prosecutors said.Īttorneys representing both men did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday.
Zamorano, of Pasadena, Texas, and Martinez, of Palestine, Texas, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death, transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death, and other counts, the U.S.
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