El Chapo’ Determined ‘Who Lives and Who Dies’ as Drug Lord, U.S. Jury Informed

By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK – During the closing arguments in the trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, a prosecutor characterized the accused Mexican drug kingpin as a figure who determined "who lives and who dies." Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Goldbarg emphasized to jurors that while the government does not need to prove Guzman was the sole leader of the cartel, he was undeniably "one of the top bosses."

Guzman’s defense has suggested that the true leader of the cartel is Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, who remains elusive, claiming that Guzman has been framed by Zambada.

In federal court in Brooklyn, Goldbarg calmly guided the jury through the numerous charges against Guzman, presenting evidence that included assault rifles and large quantities of cocaine. Guzman, who was extradited to the U.S. in January 2017, faces ten criminal charges, including operating a continuing criminal enterprise and drug trafficking. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.

Goldbarg’s summation concluded an extensive government case that included ten weeks of testimony from over 50 witnesses, among them law enforcement officials and former associates of Guzman who have entered into plea agreements with the U.S. government.

Guzman’s attorneys have actively worked to challenge the credibility of these cooperating witnesses. Goldbarg addressed this directly, acknowledging the witnesses’ criminal backgrounds but asserting that the jury should not question the truthfulness of their testimonies. She stated that their accounts were supported by intercepted communications and ledgers obtained from Guzman’s safe houses.

"You know these cooperating witnesses are telling the truth because you heard the same thing from the defendant’s own mouth," Goldbarg remarked. The evidence included intercepted communications wherein Guzman discussed drug shipments and communications with corrupt officials, as well as orders to eliminate rivals.

"He’s the one who decides who lives and who dies," Goldbarg reiterated.

She methodically reviewed the evidence linking Guzman to various drug seizures from the 1990s and 2000s, a process anticipated to last the entire day.

Guzman called only one witness in his defense, and it is expected that one of his attorneys will present the closing argument on Thursday.