As voices urge relief for smuggling tragedy survivors, federal jury indicts two main suspects

Four people were arrested late last month following the horrific deaths of 53 migrants, and hospitalization of at least 16 others, in a mass casualty smuggling incident. Officials said that Homero Zamorano Jr. was charged with “alien smuggling resulting in death.” Christian Martinez was charged with “one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death.” Two others were charged with “one count of possession of a weapon by an alien illegally in the U.S.”

Last week, a federal jury also returned indictments against both Zamorano Jr. and Martinez, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Texas said. “Upon conviction, the charges for conspiracy to transport and transport resulting in death carry a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty.”

RELATED STORY: Lawmakers urge Biden admin to spare San Antonio survivors from possible detention and deportation