Death of migrants in Texas: this was the chronology 0:55
(CNN) --
Four people have been arrested and charged after 53 people were killed in what a Homeland Security Investigations agent called the deadliest human smuggling incident in US history.
Homero Zamorano Jr., 45, of Brownsville but a resident of Pasadena, Texas, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in human smuggling resulting in death, according to a press release from the US Department of Justice. USA (DOJ).
Zamorano Jr. has an extensive criminal history dating back to the 1990s, public records show.
What is known about the finding of migrants in a truck in Texas
“At the scene, SAPD [San Antonio Police Department] officers discovered multiple people, some still inside the tractor trailer, some on the ground and in nearby brush, many deceased and some incapacitated,” it read. the notice.
“The SAPD agents were led to the location of an individual, later identified as Zamorano, who was observed hiding in the brush after trying to escape.
Zamorano was arrested by SAPD agents."
Laredo Sector Border Patrol provided Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents with surveillance footage showing the tractor-trailer moving through an immigration checkpoint, according to the release.
The driver could be seen wearing a black striped shirt and a hat.
“HSI agents confirmed that Zamorano matched the individual in the surveillance footage and was wearing the same clothing,” the statement said.
advertising
Guatemala seeks to identify dead migrants in Texas 3:37
Christian Martinez, 28, who was arrested June 28, 2022 in Palestine, Texas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death.
An investigation revealed that there were communications between Zamorano and Martinez about the smuggling event, according to the release.
They also charged and arrested Juan Claudio D'Luna-Méndez, 23, and Juan Francisco D'Luna-Bilbao, 48.
“Both citizens of Mexico were arrested and made initial appearances on June 27, 2022,” the US Department of Justice said in the statement.
The registration of the used tractor trailer came from a residence in San Antonio, according to the release.
“SAPD agents set up surveillance at the residence and observed two men leaving in separate trucks.
After traffic stops on both trucks, the drivers were identified as D'Luna-Mendez and D'Luna-Bilbao.
D'Luna-Bilboa was in possession of a firearm which was found in the center console of the van he was driving," the statement said.
"A search warrant was executed at the residence where additional firearms were located. Both individuals were determined to be in the U.S. illegally and charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a weapon" by a person that he was in the U.S. illegally," according to authorities.
If convicted, both Zamorano and Martinez could face life in prison or the death penalty.
CNN has not been able to determine if Zamorano or Martinez have an attorney.
D'Luna-Mendez's attorney said he does not comment on pending cases.
CNN has contacted D'Luna-Bilbao's lawyer and has not received a response.