Mar 21 • 13:00 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico El Financiero (ES)

‘Living without your words is a lot of loneliness’: What did ‘El Chapo’s’ loving letters to his girlfriends say?

The trial of ‘El Chapo’ revealed not only the crimes of Joaquín Guzmán Loera but also his sentimental side through letters to his romantic partners.

The trial of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán in Federal Court in Brooklyn uncovered a multitude of crimes associated with the notorious drug lord, including assassination orders and bribery of officials. However, alongside these revelations, a different aspect of 'El Chapo' emerged – his sentimental side, highlighted through the romantic letters he wrote to various partners while imprisoned in Mexican jails. These letters, recently disclosed during the trial, offered insights into his emotional attachments and vulnerabilities, contrasting sharply with his criminal persona.

Among the most notable correspondences were the letters exchanged with Zulema Hernández, who met Guzmán while both were incarcerated. As ‘El Chapo’ plotted his escape from the Puente Grande prison in Jalisco, he sent her at least ten letters that revealed his affection and support for her. In these letters, he celebrated her transfer to another prison and reassured her of his backing through legal avenues. The messages not only provided a glimpse into his personal relationships but also illustrated how he managed to maintain connections with his partners despite his legal troubles and incarceration.

The release of these letters highlights the duality of Guzmán's character – a ruthless narcotics trafficker enveloped in a world of crime, yet also a man capable of expressing love and emotion. This aspect of his personality, often overshadowed by his violent reputation, may offer a more complex view of who he was beyond the drug trade. As stories like this emerge from the shadows of criminal trials, they prompt discussions about the human elements lurking behind notorious figures, challenging the public's perception of their identities.

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