According to reports, the trailer’s air conditioning was not functioning properly, and the driver was allegedly aware of this issue. Despite this knowledge, the truck driver continued to transport 63 migrants in the trailer.
Texas truck driver pleads guilty to killing 53 migrants
Homero Zamoranor Jr., a 48-year-old individual, is now facing the possibility of life imprisonment for his involvement in a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of 53 lives in San Antonio. Having pleaded guilty to this mass casualty event, the consequences of his actions are now being faced.
According to KSAT, a tractor-trailer was used to transport 63 migrants, including children, across the border. The group embarked on their journey on Interstate 35.
In the 9600 block of Quintana Road, the semi-truck came to a halt. It was at this point that the migrants found themselves abandoned in the scorching Texas heat, with no ventilation, air-conditioning, or access to water. Tragically, the consequences of this dire situation led to the death of 74 adults and six children due to their injuries.
According to reports, Zamorano and two other individuals involved in the case were aware of the malfunctioning air conditioning unit in the trailer.
The authorities were aware that the trailer wouldn’t provide any relief to the migrants who were trapped inside during the scorching three-hour journey from Laredo to San Antonio. With temperatures reaching around 100 degrees, the migrants were desperate for help, screaming and banging on the walls of the trailer.
Migrants paid a hefty sum of $15,000 each to be transported across the border, as they sought a better life. However, in a disturbing turn of events, they were coerced into relinquishing their cellphones before entering the trailer. This left them utterly helpless, with no means to reach out for assistance. Furthermore, an unidentified powder was strategically deployed around the trailer to deceive patrol dogs and evade detection.
After police officers apprehended Zamorano, they discovered that he had been hiding in a nearby bush. Additionally, his phone contained suspicious calls related to the smuggling operation.
Zamorano faced charges for conspiring to transport aliens, which led to fatalities, serious bodily harm, and endangering lives. In addition, he was also charged with transporting aliens, resulting in death, serious bodily injury, and endangerment of lives.