By Steve Neavling
Federal prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty against Mexican drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who is accused of leading a violent drug empire and orchestrating the 1985 torture and killing of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
At a hearing Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Saritha Komatireddy told Judge Frederic Block that no decision has been made, but the case is moving through the process, ABC News reports. The top charge against Caro Quintero — running a continuing criminal enterprise — carries a mandatory life sentence and makes him eligible for capital punishment.
Caro Quintero, 72, appeared in court alongside his nephew and co-defendant, Ismael Quintero Arellanes, a former top lieutenant. Neither spoke during the hearing.
Block appointed veteran defense attorney Elizabeth Macedonio as special counsel due to the case’s complexity. He also questioned whether Caro Quintero still qualifies for taxpayer-funded legal representation, asking for financial disclosures to be submitted before the next hearing on June 25.
Arellanes, known as “Fierro,” is accused of relaying messages for Caro Quintero, serving as his bodyguard, and helping him avoid capture. His attorney said he is still exploring a potential plea deal.
Caro Quintero was among 29 cartel figures expelled from Mexico amid trade tensions with the Trump administration. Once one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, he led the Guadalajara cartel, a precursor to the Sinaloa cartel, and allegedly funneled large volumes of heroin, meth, marijuana, and cocaine into the U.S.
Camarena’s death was depicted in the Netflix series “Narcos: Mexico.”
