Felipe Orduna Torres and Armando Gonzales Ortega would face life in prison if convicted.
SAN ANTONIO — The trial over the deadly Quintana Road incident is in its final days as closing arguments started Tuesday. The jury is now deliberating in the case.
Prosecutors with the U.S. government spoke to the jury first, laying out the two weeks of evidence that have been presented throughout the trial.
Felipe Orduna Torres and Armando Gonzales Ortega, alleged co-conspirators in the 2022 human smuggling tragedy that killed 53 migrants, would face life in prison if convicted.
In their closing argument, the prosecution said conspiracy is an agreement, not just proximity or communication and that repeated actions show intent, referencing the 16 smuggling operations the organization the co-defendants are believed to be part of.
They presented evidence including 400+ messages, showing coordinated transport, and cartel ties, adding that, on June 27, the defendants arranged and executed transportation.
They recounted how victims had “no escape,” noting that pleas for help were heard outside the tractor trailer.
The defense again questioned lack of forensic evidence (no fingerprints, biometrics, or videos) and claimed the Government shaped the narrative.
Defense attorney Edgardo Rafael-Baez repeatedly told the jury it takes courage to stand up to Goliath, insinuating that the government is Goliath.
Baez also emphasized reasonable doubt, citing there was no direct identification of the defendants at any scene. He urged the jury to question inconsistencies and lack of physical evidence.
The jury is deliberating.