On January 16, 2025, Homero Zamorano Jr., 48, of Elkhart, pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from the fatal 2022 smuggling incident that resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children. Zamorano admitted to conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death, causing serious bodily injury, and placing lives in jeopardy, along with two additional counts related to transportation of aliens.
The deadly incident occurred in San Antonio, where Zamorano was caught driving a tractor-trailer containing 64 undocumented individuals. Many suffered from heat exhaustion, and several died due to the conditions inside the trailer. The case has been investigated by multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Border Patrol.
Zamorano faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for April 24, 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs and Sarah Spears are handling the prosecution.
