Court Document Reveals Likely Cause of Texas Mass Human Trafficking Deaths

Police and other first responders work the scene where officials say dozens of people have been found dead and multiple others were taken to hospitals with heat-related illnesses after a semitrailer containing suspected illegal immigrants was found in San Antonio, Texas, on June 27, 2022. Eric Gay/AP Photo

An unsealed court document shows that issues with air conditioning in the semi-truck likely caused the deadliest human trafficking incident in San Antonio, Texas.

Alleged conspirator Christian Martinez, 28, who was charged along with the truck driver Homero Zamorano, Jr., told a government confidential informant that the air conditioner was not working properly before the incident.