U.S. Border Patrol Agent On Trial For Murder

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A capital murder trial has begun in South Texas for a U.S. Border Patrol agent accused along with his brother of killing a man who prosecutors say threatened to uncover their network trafficking in weapons and drugs.

Testimony Wednesday in Cameron County featured a brother of 31-year-old Joel Luna and 26-year-old Eduardo Luna saying he saw the younger Luna fatally shoot an associate who they feared could become an informant.

The man's headless body was found in 2015 floating off the Texas coast.

Prosecutors contend Joel Luna used his position to help a Mexican cartel move illegal weapons and ammunition south of the border and drugs to the north.

His lawyer has denied Luna had any involvement.

Luna and his brother have pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges.