Son of 'El Chapo' Avoids Death Penalty in US Drug Case

Son of 'El Chapo' Escapes Death Penalty in US Drug Case Chicago, IL – In a significant development in the ongoing drug trafficking case against Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, federal prosecutors have announced they will not seek the death penalty. This decision was made public on May 27, 2025, through a formal document filed in the Northern District Court of Illinois. The document, which can be accessed online, explicitly states that the government will not pursue capital punishment if Guzmán López is convicted. The news comes as a surprise to some, given the gravity of the charges. However, it appears that the decision may be part of a plea bargain or cooperation agreement. Guzmán López is also facing separate charges in Chicago, related to the alleged kidnapping of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in 2024. While the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, the decision to forgo the death penalty suggests a potential path toward a less severe sentence. "This is a significant development in the case," stated Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, in the official document. "The government will not seek a sentence of death." While Guzmán López avoids the ultimate penalty, he still faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted on the remaining charges. The case continues to unfold, with further developments expected in the coming months.