Border Patrol agent, cartel-linked brother facing drug trial

Texas investigators allege a U.S. Border Patrol agent conspired with his brothers to kill a man who they believed was going to snitch to authorities about a criminal enterprise that involved the sale of drugs and weapons.

Joel Luna is being held in a South Texas jail on charges that include murder. The 31-year-old was suspended from his Border Patrol job after his arrest last year.

Cameron County prosecutors want the trial to start this month. Joel Luna is set to be tried with his brother, Eduardo, who prosecutors say is linked to a Mexican drug cartel.

The investigation began in March 2015 when a man’s headless body was found off the Texas coast.

Joel Luna’s attorney says Luna had nothing to do with the killing or any criminal enterprise.