“R5” Was Killed Alongside His Bodyguard “Chuchito Nini,” Who Was Barely 15 Years Old

New details have emerged regarding the operation in which “R5,” the leader of the

Reyes Cartel, was killed. Beside him was his bodyguard, “Chuchito Nini,” a youth of barely 15 who, sadly, already had a criminal history. 

It is evident, first, that organized crime has stolen the childhood or youth of this country. Secondly, it is clear that we must also address the issue of accountability for minors. Well, at least those between the ages of 15 and 18. 

On Sunday night, federal and state forces—led by army troops—surrounded the Rodeo del Final settlement in the municipality of Tocumbo, Michoacán, to capture Luis Enrique Barragán, known as “R5.” 

The kingpin had taken control of the Reyes Cartel following the arrest of Alfonso Fernández Magallón, alias “Poncho.” On Sunday, August 1st, during the operation to arrest R5, military personnel were fired upon and returned fire. 

According to the Secretariat of National Defense, Luis Enrique Barragán—the new leader of the Reyes Cartel—and a companion were killed at the scene. That companion was allegedly Jesús Sandoval, alias “Chuchito Nini,” a 15-year-old adolescent who was apparently his nephew and personal bodyguard. 

On social media, Chuchito Nini would show himself off carrying assault rifles equipped with grenade launchers. On his bulletproof vest, he wore patches bearing inscriptions such as “Nini,” “Chuchito,” and “Cazador” (Hunter). 

The operation thus concluded the search for Luis Enrique Barragán—known as LR5—a target for whom the U.S. government was offering a $3 million reward, as he was accused of trafficking drugs into the United States and weapons into Mexico.

But what else is known about Jesús Sandoval, alias “Chuchito”? According to security sources, the young man’s body has already been identified and claimed by his family. Intelligence reports placed him—alongside his older brother, Antonio Alas (the third key figure)—as one of the most trusted lieutenants within the Reyes cartel.

Source: Imagen Noticias