Homero Zamorano, the driver of the truck in which 53 migrants died, along with his partner Cristian Martinez, may face the death penalty, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. The truck, which transported people, was found on a small road in Texas leading to a highway, containing 64 individuals, 48 of whom were dead, while the remaining 16 were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, though 5 of them later died, according to authorities.
The U.S. Justice statement said: "Zamorano is facing a criminal charge of alien smuggling that resulted in deaths. The man is originally from Brownsville but resides in Pasadena, Texas. If convicted, Zamorano could face life in prison or possibly the death penalty."
The statement also mentioned that Cristian Martinez was charged with "conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants resulting in deaths," adding that "if convicted, Martinez could face life imprisonment or the death penalty."
Two Mexican nationals, Juan Mendez and Juan Bilbao, were also charged with illegal possession of firearms. According to law enforcement agencies, the trailer of the truck where the migrants died is registered in their names, and they may face a penalty of up to ten years in prison.
