The truck driver accused of smuggling at least 39 people could face the death penalty or life in prison after ten of those people died after being locked in an unventilated trailer in 100-degree heat, prosecutors announced Monday.One of the most deadly cases of human smuggling in recent US memory was launched early Sunday morning, when San Antonio police discovered that a truck parked outside a Walmart was stuffed with undocumented immigrants. The truck's refrigeration system did not work, the driver, James Matthew Bradley Jr., later told investigators—and by the time police found them, at least people eight had already died from heat exposure and asphyxiation.
Another 30 people were taken to local hospitals. Two later died—including one overnight on Sunday, just hours before Bradley was due in court Monday morning.
Continue reading on VICE News.