LOS ANGELES – A convicted drug trafficker linked to the dangerous Sinaloa cartel and the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was shot and killed in an industrial area of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Eduardo Escovedo, 39, also known as “El Mago,” rose to prominence as the primary local marijuana distributor for “El Chapo’’s” oldest son, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, as reported by the LA Times. To conceal the illicit gains, he engaged in money laundering, funneling funds into acquiring exotic cars that were then shipped to Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa and the cartel’s stronghold. In a pivotal moment in October 2013, Escobedo was captured on a wiretap conversation with Guzman Salazar, discussing plans to smuggle more than five tons of marijuana through a tunnel beneath the U.S.-Mexico border. He spent nearly five years in prison for drug distribution and money laundering and was released in 2018.
After that, Escobedo openly flaunted a luxurious lifestyle on social media, including posing with celebrities such as Al Pacino and Floyd Mayweather. He often wore expensive clothing, including Dolce and Gabbana outfits and Richard Mille watches.
As for Escobedo’s death, authorities say it’s under investigation.
“We have no motive at this time. It appears that there was some type of gathering or party at the location,” sheriff’s Lt. Omar Camacho told Eyewitness News.
Just yesterday, Emily’s Hope reported that the head of security for “El Chapo’s” sons was arrested in Mexico.