Prosecutors Decide Against Death Penalty for ‘El Chapo’s’ Son, Linked to Mexican Drug Cartel.

Federal prosecutors have decided not to pursue the death penalty against Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of infamous Mexican drug lord “El Chapo,” if he is found guilty of several charges in Chicago. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros made the announcement in a concise notice, which provided no further elaboration on the decision. Joaquin Guzman Lopez’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, expressed satisfaction with this outcome, deeming it the right choice.

He stated in an email to The Associated Press that he and his client are eager to address the charges against him. Joaquin Guzman Lopez is the offspring of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who was once the head of the Sinaloa cartel. El Chapo was convicted in 2019 for a range of conspiracy charges and sentenced to life imprisonment in the United States for his extensive drug trafficking activities spanning over 25 years.

Prosecutors allege that Joaquin Guzman Lopez and his brother, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, managed a faction within the cartel known as the “Chapitos.” This group has been linked to the significant export of fentanyl into the U.S. In 2023, extensive indictments were issued against numerous Sinaloa cartel members, including both brothers. Joaquin Guzman Lopez was apprehended in July 2023 alongside Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in Texas after arriving on a private jet.

He faces eight charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering, and has pleaded not guilty. Zambada has accused him of kidnapping and is also facing serious federal charges in New York, to which he also pleads not guilty. Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and is charged with various offenses in Chicago.

Although he has initially pleaded not guilty, court records suggest he may change his plea in a potential agreement with prosecutors. Lichtman, who also represents Ovidio, has refrained from disclosing details about any plea deals.