Prosecutors have put out a call asking for help in identifying the human smugglers involved in an SUV crash that killed 13 of the 25 people stuffed into the car.
The crash happened on March 2nd near Holtville, California, but prosecutors did put out a call for help until this Wednesday, March 17th.
According to CBS 8 News, the SUV’s crash with a semi truck killed 13 Mexican and Guatemalan nationals at the intersection of Norrish Road and state Route 115. The SUV is believed to have been a part of a human smuggling operation involving at least two SUVs that crossed into the US through a hole cut in the border wall.
Based on a review of the border surveillance footage, two SUVs drove through the fence just prior to the crash. The one that did not wreck broke down on Interstate 8 near Holtville, where 19 immigrants were then arrested by US Border Patrol Agents.
“This tragic case is a grim reminder that putting your faith and future in the hands of smugglers is a very dangerous gamble,” U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said. “Smugglers are motivated by greed and care nothing for the people they put in harm’s way. We will aggressively prosecute smugglers who recklessly cause deaths.”
Anyone with information on tips regarding the potential smuggling ring is urged to call the tip line at 760-335-5343.