Arizona human smuggler sentenced to 10 years for deadly crash while fleeing Border Patrol

PHOENIX – An Arizona man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a deadly human smuggling crash in 2024, authorities announced Tuesday.

Samuel Lopez-Ozuna, 20, of Tucson previously pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens for profit-resulting in death, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Prosecutors said Lopez-Ozuna sped away after Border Patrol agents tried pulling him over near Arivaca, about 5 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, on Aug. 9, 2024. He was 18 at the time.

Lopez-Ozuna’s Chevrolet Tahoe crashed and rolled over soon after he fled. Seven undocumented migrants he was smuggling into the country were thrown from the vehicle.

One of the people died, and three others were seriously injured.

Before reaching a plea deal, Lopez-Ozuna was indicted on three charges related to the deadly human smuggling crash that could have led to a life sentence.

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