The only person charged in Sunday's trailer tragedy in San Antonio made his first appearance in court today and was told that he faces the death penalty if convicted, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
James Bradley, 60, of Clearwater Florida appeared for an initial hearing dressed in a blue federal prison jump suit and was shackled at the wrists. He spoke softly, responding to questions from U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney with simple 'yes' and 'no' answers.
Bradley is charged with the 'illegal transportation of aliens within the U.S. resulting in their death.'
Ten people died in the back of Bradley's sweltering trailer, and a dozen remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Chestney set Thursday as the date for a preliminary hearing, and a hearing on the government's motion to hold Bradley without bond until his trial.
In a three page report that was filed with the court, it was revealed that Bradley told police that he didn't know there was anybody inside his trailer, that he had stopped to get the trailer detailed while he was on the way to sell it.
"When he arrived at the Walmart he exited the vehilce to urinate and he heard banging and shaking in the trailer," Bradley told police. "Bradley said he went to open the doors and was surprised when he was run over by 'Spanish' people and knocked to the ground. Bradley said he then noticed bodies just lying on the floor like meat."
Several of the people inside the truck told police he paid associates of the Zetas Cartel $5,500 for what turned out to be the ride from hell.
"People started having trouble breathing and some started to pass out," hte man told police. "People began hitting the trailer walls and making noise to get the driver's attention. The driver never stopped. People had a hole in the trailer wall to provide some ventilation, and they started taking turns breathing from the hole."
The passengers said when the truck finally stopped int he Walmart, there were six SUV's in the parking lot which took many of the passengers away.
Passengers told police there were between 70 and 200 people in the back of Bradley's truck at points during the journey.
There was no air conditioning and no water in the truck.