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Deadly Transporting Case
LAREDO, Texas – A deadly transporting case has taken a dark turn as two Mexican nationals, Mario Emiliano-Herrera and Julio Cesar Lopez-Nino, both 19, have pleaded guilty to their roles in an alien transporting event that resulted in death, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
According to authorities, Emiliano-Herrera and Lopez-Nino hoped to be paid $100 in exchange for each person successfully smuggled across the Rio Grande River and into the United States. Their plan, however, turned deadly when one of the aliens passed out and was left behind.
On February 27, 2018, Border Patrol agents encountered Emiliano-Herrera and Lopez-Nino leading a group of undocumented aliens through the brush in Laredo. Nine were ultimately apprehended, two of whom included Emiliano-Herrera and Lopez-Nino.
Law enforcement learned that one of the aliens had been left behind after attempting to retrace the group’s steps. The search for the missing individual led authorities to a body found on a ranch property just 1.5 miles north of the Rio Grande River on March 7, 2018. The deceased male was identified as part of the group Emiliano-Herrera and Lopez-Nino led.
Witnesses reported that the victim could no longer keep up with the group and was kicked repeatedly by Lopez-Nino before being left behind. The cruel act ultimately led to the victim’s death.
Emiliano-Herrera and Lopez-Nino each face up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. The two remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation along with Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle S. Guerra is prosecuting the case. This is a grim reminder of the dangers of human smuggling and the consequences of such heinous crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking|Violent Crime|Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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