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 convicted of drug trafficking charges. This announcement came on May 23, when prosecutors in Chicago filed a brief notice regarding the case.
Joaquin Guzman Lopez, 38, was indicted in 2023 alongside three of his brothers, collectively known as the "Chapitos." These brothers took over leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel after their father was extradited to the United States in 2017. Guzman Lopez faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. One of these charges could carry a death sentence, as it allegedly took place on U.S. territory.
His lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, expressed satisfaction with the decision not to seek the death penalty, calling it the right choice. He mentioned that they are looking forward to addressing the charges against Guzman Lopez.
Guzman Lopez has pleaded not guilty to all five charges against him. He was arrested in July 2024 during a dramatic operation at a New Mexico airfield, where he was taken into custody alongside Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Zambada has also pleaded not guilty but has indicated a willingness to plead guilty if it means avoiding the death penalty.
Another brother, Ovidio Guzman, is expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking charges in a Chicago court hearing scheduled for July 9.
As for "El Chapo," he is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison in Colorado.