SAN ANTONIO – A former member of the Zetas drug cartel testified Monday in a federal courtroom in San Antonio that he witnessed about 80 executions in Piedras Negras.
Gustavo Rodriguez testified in the trial of Marciano Millan-Vasquez, who is facing murder, conspiracy and drug-trafficking charges.
Rodriguez testified that Vasquez was once a "plaza boss" in the northern Mexican city. Rodriguez said that although Vasquez carried a gun, he "was never present" for the slayings.
The witness described the cartel as "ruthless" and said that living among its members was dangerous. He said telling lies was a routine part of life.
"I knew that I had to lie to keep from being killed," Rodriguez said.
He said he fears that his relatives who are still in Mexico are in danger because of his testimony.
"When you leave (the Zetas), if they don't kill you, they will kill a member of your family," Rodriguez told the jury.
Rodriguez is facing the same charges as Vasquez, but as part of a plea agreement, he is testifying for the U.S. government in exchange for a 25-year prison sentence.
If convicted, Vasquez could face a life sentence in federal prison.