‘Maryland man,’ accused MS-13 gangbanger, could face death penalty over deadly border disaster: fmr prosecutor
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

One former federal prosecutor said Kilmar Abrego Garcia could face death penalty-eligible charges if the government finds enough evidence tying him to an incident that left 50 migrants dead.

Abrego Garcia was indicted on charges of alien smuggling and conspiracy by a grand jury in Tennessee earlier this month. The indictment says Abrego Garcia played a “significant role” in a human smuggling ring that was in operation for nearly a decade.

During a news conference, Attorney General Pam Bondi described Abrego Garcia as a full-time smuggler who racked up over 100 trips throughout the U.S., transporting MS-13 gang-affiliated members, children and women.

According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia and several co-conspirators are accused of working together to transport illegal immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador and Mexico to the U.S. for “profit and private financial gain.”

Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia traffic stop

Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is seen in a car during a traffic stop. (Tennessee Highway Patrol)

“If the Justice Department can prove that Abrego Garcia was involved in the alien smuggling death, even though the death occurred in Mexico, as long as the intention was to bring those individuals to the United States, that may appropriately be a death penalty case,” he added.

Rahmani said the deaths wouldn’t need to be intentional for federal prosecutors to bring up death-penalty-eligible charges.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia grins in undated photo before deportation

This undated photo provided by Murray Osorio PLLC shows Kilmar Abrego Garcia. (Murray Osorio PLLC via AP)

“Prosecutors don’t have to prove that Abrego Garcia intended to cause any injuries or even intended to hurt anyone. As long as they can show that he intended to smuggle people into the United States and a death resulted, that’s enough,” Rahmani said.

“Prosecutors just have to prove knowledge and intent of the smuggling operation as well as causation. The death resulted therefrom. That’s enough for a death penalty case.”

Rahmani said that being a co-conspirator makes people criminally liable for conduct during the crime, but noted that prosecutors don’t typically seek the death penalty in instances like this.

Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ and Abrego Garcia’s lawyer for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Father's petty revenge on female flier who refused to swap seats

Dad’s Creative Payback for Woman Who Wouldn’t Change Seats on Flight

A solo traveler recently shared her frustrating experience on a flight after…
Judge rules redacted transcript, audio recording of sealed Charlie Kirk hearing can be released

Judge Approves Release of Redacted Transcript and Audio from Sealed Charlie Kirk Hearing

In a recent decision, a judge has approved the release of both…
I fought the NYC 'Super Flu' with $12 Emergen-C from Amazon

Beating NYC’s ‘Super Flu’: How a $12 Amazon Emergen-C Purchase Made All the Difference

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua injured in fatal car crash in Nigeria

Former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua Involved in Tragic Car Accident in Nigeria

Anthony Joshua, the renowned Nigerian-British boxer and former world heavyweight champion, was…
Tennessee officers rescue woman considering jumping from bridge on day after Christmas

Heroic Tennessee Officers Save Woman from Bridge in Post-Christmas Rescue

The following article addresses the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or…
Police sergeant denies hearing Luigi Mangione mother's alleged damning statement about CEO killing

Sergeant Disputes Claim of Hearing Key Statement in CEO Murder Case Involving Luigi Mangione’s Mother

A San Francisco police sergeant has clarified that he is not the…
Macaulay Culkin abides by a strict set of rules for fans who approach him in public

Macaulay Culkin Establishes Clear Guidelines for Fan Interactions in Public

Macaulay Culkin has established specific guidelines for fans eager to meet him…
Texas couple found dead inside mansion as cops found son with gun

Tragic Discovery: Texas Couple Found Deceased in Mansion, Son Located with Firearm

A tragic incident unfolded in Texas as a cherished couple was reportedly…