Federal prosecutors have decided not to pursue the death penalty against Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman, in connection with multiple charges in Chicago. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros filed a brief notice stating the decision but did not elaborate on the reasoning behind it. Guzman Lopez’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating it was the correct one, and noted that they are eager to resolve the charges.
Joaquin Guzman Lopez is the son of El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, who was convicted in 2019 for smuggling large quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Prosecutors allege that Guzman Lopez, alongside his brother Ovidio Guzman Lopez, operated a faction of the cartel known as the “Chapitos,” which is implicated in fentanyl trafficking to the U.S. In 2023, sweeping indictments were issued against members of the Sinaloa cartel, leading to Guzman Lopez’s arrest along with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada after their arrival in Texas via private plane.
Joaquin Guzman Lopez faces eight criminal counts, including money laundering and conspiracy to distribute drugs, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, Zambada alleges that Guzman Lopez kidnapped him and brought him to the U.S.; he also faces serious charges in New York. Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the U.S., facing similar charges and reportedly scheduled to change his plea as part of a deal with prosecutors. Lichtman represents both brothers but declined to comment on any plea agreement details.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
