Cartel Leader El Mencho Killed in Clash with Mexican Authorities
El Mencho's Capture and Death
Mexican officials have confirmed the death of cartel chief Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.” His location was discovered following a meeting with a romantic partner in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the Secretary General of National Defense, detailed that on February 20, a trusted associate of El Mencho’s partner was tracked down and led her to a site in Tapalpa where she met the CJNG leader. After her departure on February 21, authorities learned that El Mencho was still present at the location with his security team.
On February 22, a tactical operation was executed, targeting a cabin complex on the outskirts of Tapalpa. Upon noticing military forces, El Mencho attempted to escape into the nearby woods with his entourage. Trevilla Trejo reported that as special forces pursued them, they discovered El Mencho hiding. During the confrontation, he and two of his associates were injured, while two others were apprehended. El Mencho succumbed to his injuries while being transported for medical assistance.
Journalist Anabel Hernández noted that El Mencho had been with one of his partners since around February 14 or 15, according to her sources.
Who Is Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo?
Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo has recently come into the spotlight following leaks from Guacamaya Leaks, which suggest her involvement in tracking El Mencho’s movements. Although it remains unverified whether she was the partner present during the Tapalpa meeting, documents from a 2022 breach of Mexico’s National Defense Secretariat (Sedena) indicate that she is part of the cartel leader’s close circle. Reports suggest her relationship with Oseguera Cervantes began after the arrest of his wife, Rosalinda González Valencia, in November 2021.
While Moreno Carrillo appears in various documents detailing the CJNG’s hierarchy, her exact role within the organization is not clearly defined. Public information about her background or criminal history is limited to what has emerged from these leaks. Intelligence reports have identified two women associated with El Mencho:
- Wife: Rosalinda González Valencia, also known as Rosa González Valencia, was linked to him in cartel records dated May 26, 2018, the day she was arrested but later released.
- Current Partner: Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo, categorized in cartel documents as “Current Partner,” holding a similar rank to his wife.
Authorities have yet to confirm if Moreno Carrillo was indeed the partner present during the operation on February 22 or if she played a role in the intelligence that led to the siege.