U.S. States No Death Penalty for Convicted Son of Infamous Cartel Leader “El Chapo”
No Death Penalty for El Chapo’s Son
Federal prosecutors have decided against seeking the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, should he be convicted on multiple charges in Chicago. The brief notice filed by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros was devoid of any detailed explanation, leaving many to wonder about the underlying reasons.
Jeffrey Lichtman, Guzman Lopez’s attorney, expressed his satisfaction with the decision in a communication with The Associated Press. “It’s the correct one,” he remarked, showing a sense of relief as they prepare to address the charges.
El Chapo, Guzman Lopez’s father, led the Sinaloa cartel and orchestrated a vast network that smuggled massive quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over a span of 25 years. His conviction in 2019 led to life imprisonment on several conspiracy charges.
The accusations against Guzman Lopez are serious. Alongside his brother Ovidio Guzman Lopez, he’s alleged to have managed a faction called the “Chapitos,” notorious for being a major exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. In 2023, sweeping indictments were unsealed against numerous Sinaloa cartel members, highlighting horrific acts such as using corkscrews, electrocution, and hot chiles for torture. Some victims reportedly met their end being “fed dead or alive to tigers.”
In a surprising turn, Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested alongside Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in Texas after arriving via private plane. Guzman Lopez faces eight counts including money laundering and drug-related conspiracies. He has pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence as legal proceedings continue.
Zambada claims that he was kidnapped by Guzman Lopez and transported to the U.S., facing charges in New York involving international cocaine distribution and money laundering. Like Guzman Lopez, he has also pleaded not guilty.
The saga extends further with Ovidio Guzman Lopez’s arrest in Mexico and subsequent extradition to the U.S., where he stands accused of money laundering and drug offenses. Though he initially pleaded not guilty, court records suggest an upcoming plea change might be on the horizon.
Lichtman also represents Ovidio but remains tight-lipped about any potential agreements with prosecutors.
This complex web isn’t limited to just legal battles. Earlier this month, Mexico’s security chief confirmed that 17 family members connected to cartel leaders crossed into the U.S., reportedly as part of a deal involving a son of El Chapo and the Trump administration. Among them were El Chapo’s ex-wife, Griselda Lopez Perez, and her daughter, as reported by local media. These developments add yet another layer to an already complicated narrative surrounding one of the world’s most notorious drug cartels.
