Texas migrant deaths: Suspected driver and three others charged as death toll hits 53

Suspected driver Homero Zamorano Jr (backside proper) was arrested close to the scene and charged with one depend of ‘alien smuggling leading to dying’ (Photos: Getty Photos/Twitter)

A person suspected of driving the truck that was discovered deserted in San Antonio, Texas with dozens of our bodies inside has been charged with human trafficking offenses.

The suspected driver, Homero Zamorano Jr, 45, was arrested close to the scene and charged with one depend of ‘alien smuggling leading to dying,’ in accordance with the Justice Division.

Zamorano’s alleged co-conspirator, Christian Martinez, 28, was additionally arrested Tuesday and charged with a single depend of ‘conspiracy to move unlawful aliens.’

If convicted, the 2 males may face life in jail, or probably the dying penalty for his or her function within the deadliest migrant trafficking incident in US historical past.

4 males have been charged in connection to the lethal incident (Photos: Getty Photos/EPA)

The dying toll from the grotesque incident rose to 53 on Wednesday because it was reported that two extra migrants had died whereas hospitalized.

Dozens died on Monday at the back of the tractor-trailer throughout a sweltering day the place temperatures hit over 100 levels Fahrenheit. The truck, carrying migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, was found deserted about 160 miles (250km) north of the US Mexico border.

Authorities later discovered no indicators of working air-con contained in the truck or proof of the passengers having any water.

When authorities arrived on the scene on Monday night, they found ‘stacks of our bodies’ contained in the truck. Most have been sizzling to the contact, whereas among the victims have been found on the bottom outdoors of the truck.

Officers say that Zamorano, who's from Pasadena, Texas, allegedly deserted the 18-wheeler on the aspect of a distant highway and fled when bystanders heard cries for assist coming from the again of the truck.

Zamorano then reportedly tried to pose as one of many victims and was discovered hiding in a close-by bush by cops who arrested him on the scene.

Surveillance footage taken from an immigration checkpoint reveals an individual who resembles Zamorano behind the wheel of the truck.

Federal prosecutors mentioned the 2 have been linked by communications they found on Zamorano’s cellphone.

Two different males who're suspected to be concerned within the lethal smuggling operation have been charged on Tuesday with being unlawful immigrants in possession of firearms. They're being held in custody till a preliminary listening to on Friday.

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