U.S. Justice Department announces no death penalty for ‘Narco of Narcos’ and other Mexican cartel leaders on trial.
Federal prosecutors have decided not to pursue the death penalty against three prominent Mexican cartel leaders currently facing trial in Brooklyn. Among them is Rafael Caro Quintero, often referred to as the “Narco of Narcos,” who has been implicated in the heinous kidnapping, torture, and murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. This decision was communicated to Judge Frederic Block of the Brooklyn Federal Court in a letter filed earlier this week.
The prosecutors also submitted similar communications regarding Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a key figure within the Sinaloa Cartel, and Vicente “The Viceroy” Carrillo Fuentes, the head of the Juarez Cartel. While the letters were filed under seal and do not elaborate on the reasoning behind U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision, it signifies a pivot from earlier considerations where the death penalty for Caro Quintero had been deemed a possibility.
Typically, Mexico has a legal stipulation that prohibits the extradition of its citizens to countries where the death penalty is in play. However, as recent as last March, U.S. prosecutors indicated that Caro Quintero could face capital punishment. He was apprehended in a high-profile capture in 2022 and, along with Carrillo Fuentes, remained in Mexican detention until their extradition to the United States in February. This extradition occurred amidst diplomatic negotiations, particularly in light of U.S. threats to impose tariffs on Mexican goods.
The Department of Justice had previously signaled that it would assess whether certain cartel figures would face the death penalty in line with a Trump-era executive order issued on January 30. Department officials did not provide comment on the recent decision concerning this trio of cartel leaders.
Elizabeth Macedonio, who represents Caro Quintero in matters concerning the death penalty, voiced agreement with the attorney general’s judgment, expressing a desire to resolve the case expediently to provide closure for all involved.
Caro Quintero is notorious for his association with the Guadalajara cartel, a precursor to the Sinaloa cartel, and his role in the violent elimination of Camarena, which has been depicted in popular culture, including the Netflix series “Narcos.” Zambada has a long history with the Sinaloa cartel and was recently captured after being allegedly kidnapped and transported to the United States. His detention has sparked a treason investigation in Mexico, highlighting the intricate international legal challenges associated with cartels and their operatives. Media News Source reports that the judicial proceedings and their implications not only affect those involved but continue to shape the landscape of U.S.-Mexico cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
