Federal authorities have now indicted a second man in connection with the immigrant smuggling operation that ended with ten immigrants dead in the back of a sweltering 18-wheeler in the parking lot of a south side Walmart, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Pedro Silva Segura, 47, described as an illegal immigrant living in Laredo, is accused of being the mastermind behind the effort to 'conceal, harbor and transport' the immigrants. He is facing charges that could land him on death row.
James Bradley, the 60 year old trucker who was driving the truck when the immigrants were found inside in July, is no longer facing the death penalty, federal prosecutors say.
He has been re-indicted on a new charge that carries a maximum of life in prison. The charges facing Bradley include transportation of undocumented aliens resulting in death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On the morning of Sunday, July 23, officials were alerted to an 18 wheeler found parked in the back lot of the Walmart at I-35 and Highway 16.Arriving officers found some immigrants darting into waiting SUVs, and 38 people either dead or seriously hurt, still in the back of the trailer.
They told officials as many as 200 people had been packed into the trailer in Laredo, and ten of the immigrants died as the un-air conditioned truck made the drive up I-35 to San Antonio in hot July weather. Eight immigrants were dead on the scene, and two more died later at local hosptials.
The remaining immigrants were held as 'material witnesses' against Bradley, but have since been released.
Bradley has claimed he didn't know that there were people in his truck, and a non guilty plea has been entered on his behalf.