History of Rafael Caro Quintero in Timeline

"Rafa" Caro Quintero, a notorious Mexican drug lord, gained infamy in the late 1970s as a co-founder of the Guadalajara Cartel. This powerful criminal organization, established alongside Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo and other prominent traffickers, held significant sway within Mexico's drug trade. Notably, "Rafa" is also the sibling of Miguel Caro Quintero, another influential figure in the drug world, known for leading the now-disbanded Sonora Cartel.

October 24, 1952: Birth of Rafael Caro Quintero

Rafael Caro Quintero was born on October 24, 1952.

November 1984: Raid on Caro Quintero's Ranch

In November 1984, Mexican authorities, allegedly acting on information from DEA agent Kiki Camarena, raided Caro Quintero's ranch, "El Búfalo," and destroyed a significant marijuana plantation.

January 30, 1985: Alleged Murders of John Clay Walker and Albert Radelat

Caro Quintero is accused of ordering the kidnapping, torture, and murder of writer John Clay Walker and dentistry student Albert Radelat on January 30, 1985, allegedly for accidentally walking into one of his private parties.

February 7, 1985: Kidnapping and Murder of Kiki Camarena and Alfredo Zavala Avelar

On February 7, 1985, DEA agent Kiki Camarena and his pilot, Alfredo Zavala Avelar, were kidnapped in Guadalajara. They were taken to a residence owned by Caro Quintero, tortured, and murdered.

March 9, 1985: Caro Quintero Flees Mexico

Caro Quintero fled Mexico on March 9, 1985, after the murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena. He was allegedly aided by Mexican police chief Armando Pavón Reyes, who was later fired and charged with bribery and complicity.

April 4, 1985: Arrest and Extradition of Caro Quintero

Rafael Caro Quintero was apprehended in Alajuela, Costa Rica on April 4, 1985, and subsequently extradited to Mexico. He received a 40-year prison sentence for his involvement in the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena and other offenses.

1985: Continued Search for Caro Quintero

Caro Quintero remained wanted for his role in the 1985 murders and drug trafficking. The US government offered a $20 million reward for information leading to his capture.

1985: Involvement in Kidnappings and Murders, Guadalajara Cartel Disintegration

In 1985, Rafael Caro Quintero was involved in the kidnapping and murders of DEA agent Kiki Camarena, his pilot Alfredo Zavala Avelar, writer John Clay Walker, and student Alberto Radelat. Following these events, Caro Quintero fled to Costa Rica but was arrested and extradited to Mexico. His arrest led to the disintegration of the Guadalajara Cartel, with its members joining other cartels.

1985: Mexican court allows extradition for Caro Quintero

In 1985, a Mexican court ruled that the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena was not solely a Mexican affair, opening the possibility of extraditing Caro Quintero to face murder charges.

2007: Transfer to Puente Grande Prison

In 2007, Caro Quintero was relocated to Puente Grande, a maximum-security penitentiary situated in Jalisco.

2010: Transfer to Another Prison in Jalisco

In 2010, a federal judge authorized Caro Quintero's transfer to a different prison within Jalisco.

August 9, 2013: Release from Prison

On August 9, 2013, after spending 28 years incarcerated, a court mandated the immediate release of Caro Quintero. This decision stemmed from a ruling by a Jalisco state court that determined he had been tried improperly in a federal court for offenses that fell under state jurisdiction.

August 14, 2013: Issuance of Arrest Warrant

Following a petition from the United States government, a federal court in Mexico granted an arrest warrant against Caro Quintero on August 14, 2013. This warrant aimed to initiate his potential extradition to the United States.

August 2013: Release from Prison and Issue of Arrest Warrant

After serving 28 years in prison, Caro Quintero was freed in August 2013 due to a legal technicality. However, pressure from the United States government led to a Mexican federal court issuing an arrest warrant against him the day after his release.

2013: Caro Quintero's Legacy in Badiraguato

In 2013, locals in Badiraguato, Caro Quintero's hometown, recalled his contributions to the area in the 1980s, such as funding infrastructure projects like a highway and electrification.

2015: Charges filed against Caro Quintero

In 2015, charges were filed against Caro Quintero related to the kidnapping and qualified homicide of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena and Mexican pilot Alfredo Zavala Avelar.

July 24, 2016: Caro Quintero denies Camarena Murder

On July 24, 2016, Caro Quintero, still a fugitive, gave an interview to Proceso magazine denying involvement in Enrique Camarena's murder. He claimed that after his release from prison, he declined offers to rejoin the drug trade from "El Chapo" Guzmán and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, expressing a desire for peace.

October 2017: Caro Quintero's cousin arrested by US authorities

In October 2017, Sajid, Caro Quintero's cousin, was arrested by US authorities.

January 25, 2018: Caro Quintero's cousin pleads guilty to drug trafficking

On January 25, 2018, Sajid, Caro Quintero's cousin, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges in a California court. Some speculated that Sajid might have implicated Caro Quintero in an attempt to secure a plea deal.

March 7, 2018: Unsuccessful Search Operation for Caro Quintero

On March 7, 2018, the Mexican military conducted a search operation for Caro Quintero in the mountains of Badiraguato Municipality using Black Hawk helicopters and Marines, but they were unable to locate him.

April 2018: Caro Quintero interviewed in Mazatlán

In April 2018, journalist Anabel Hernández interviewed a frail and aging Caro Quintero at his modest mountain home in Mazatlán. He reiterated his desire for peace, mentioned his declining health, and denied involvement in drug trafficking or leadership within the Sinaloa cartel.

May 26, 2020: Caro Quintero's lawyer appeals to drop charges

On May 26, 2020, Caro Quintero's lawyer filed an appeal to drop drug trafficking charges from 2015 and charges related to the kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena and Mexican pilot Alfredo Zavala Avelar. The lawyer argued that Caro Quintero, being over 60 years old and a fugitive, lacked the financial resources for a new trial.

June 2020: Caro Quintero rejects Sinaloa Cartel offer

In June 2020, it was reported that Rafael and Miguel Caro Quintero declined offers to join the Sinaloa Cartel after a disagreement with the sons of imprisoned leader Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. However, they remained on good terms with Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Former DEA agent Mike Vigil downplayed Caro Quintero's role in drug trafficking.