El R2 hearing suspended over medical condition
By Cartel Insider Wire Desk · Edited by Mica Treviño
Original reporting: El Financiero
What happened
El Financiero reports that a judge suspended Rafael N’s November 11 remote hearing because medication prevented him from remaining conscious; proceedings continued for 19 other detainees.
Reporting and context
A judge suspended the hospital hearing of Rafael “N,” known as “El R2,” on November 11 because medication left him unable to remain conscious for more than an hour, according to El Financiero. The outlet describes him as a regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Federal organized-crime prosecutors had arranged a remote connection so he could appear from his hospital bed. The judge determined that medication-induced drowsiness prevented his participation. El Financiero reported that no charge had yet been formally presented against him at the time of its report.
Citing Nmás, the newspaper said Rafael was receiving oxygen assistance and proceedings would continue for the other 19 people detained on November 8 at the Sabea restaurant in Zapopan. The report describes the gathering preceding the operation as a CJNG party lasting 20 hours.
Rafael suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and leg after trying to defend himself with a firearm during the operation, the newspaper said. He was removed on a stretcher and remained at Guadalajara’s old Civil Hospital. The report did not specify what medical procedures he had undergone.
A transfer to the clinical wing of Puente Grande prison had been expected on November 11, but his condition, described in the report as serious but stable, prevented it. His inability to participate delayed his own hearing while the proceedings involving the other detainees continued.
Original report from El Financiero