Quintero won an appeal and a federal court overturned his conviction and 40 year sentence for the 1985 murder of DEA Agent Camarena in Jalisco.
By H. Nelson Goodson
August 10, 2013
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico - On Friday, Rafael Caro Quintero, 58, a reputed druglord and former founder of the Guadalajara Cartel walked out a free man from prison after a federal court overturned his 40 year prison sentence and conviction for the 1985 murder of DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in Guadalajara, Jalisco. After serving 28 years in prison, the court found that Quintero should have been prosecuted in a state court and not a federal court. The court's decision and Quintero's released was kept secret until Quintero had been released indicating the three judge panel was bought off.
Media outlets were notified after his release and the U.S. government (DEA) learned of Quintero's release from the Mexican media.
Also, Mexican lawyers representing two other men convicted for Camarena's murder have submitted the same appeal arguments used in Quintero's release. Both Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, known druglords in Nothern Sinaloa are also expected to be release from prison after their appeals are processed.
The U.S. has indicted Quintero for drug laundering, but it is not clear yet, if the U.S. will seek extradition.
Quintero and the other suspects ordered Camarena killed after their $10 billion dollar marijuana and drug manufacturing ranch called the Baffalo was raided and confiscated by Mexican federal authorities. Camarena and his pilot were kidnapped in Guadalajara and then their bodies were discovered in a shallow grave a month later. Both Camarena and his pilot's bodies showed signs of torture before being killed.
Post a Comment