‘Mastermind’ behind smuggling that left 53 migrants dead pleads ‘not guilty’

The alleged ‘mastermind’ behind the plot to smuggle a truckload of immigrants into the US that left 53 people dead pleaded not guilty on Thursday. 

28-year-old Christian Martinez appeared in court for 10 minutes on Thursday, August 4th to plead not guilty to charges of conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death, reported CBS Austin.

Martinez is linked to Homero Zamorano Jr., who is believed to have been the driver in the incident, which is considered the deadliest known smuggling attempt in modern history of the United States.

If convicted of conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death, Martinez could face life in prison or the death penalty.