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The death of El Menzo/ Who is the 'successor' expected to take over the leadership of the Mexican cartel?
2026-02-25 18:25:02 / BOTA
The killing of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, has caused widespread unrest and chaos in Mexico. Following his killing, speculation has begun about who could take over the reins of the cartel, with a potential candidate emerging.
According to foreign media , Juan Carlos Valencia González has been identified as one of the main candidates to take over the leadership of the cartel. He is 41 years old and has close family ties to El Mencho, as he is his stepfather. His mother, Rosalinda “La Jeffa” González Valencia, who played an important role in the cartel’s finances, was married to El Mencho and some analysts speculate that she could take over her late husband’s position. However, most experts believe that Rosalinda could support her son to succeed El Mencho as his successor.
Juan Carlos, also known by the aliases El Pelon, Tricy Tres, and O3, holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship. He was born in California to parents Rosalinda and Armando Valencia Cornelio, who had ties to the cartel. Information about his early life remains limited.
El Pelon's alleged links to drug trafficking were uncovered by the DEA in 2020. Investigations showed that he had been responsible for the production and distribution of tons of drugs, as well as for many violent crimes dating back to 2007. Also, in July 2020, videos were released showing members of the Jalisco Cartel, with one of them identified as Juan Carlos by Mexico's then-defense minister.
In October 2020, the US government filed federal charges against him for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and use weapons in drug transactions. The US was offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
In the wake of El Menzo's murder, the arrest of several other cartel leaders, including his brother Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, in the US last year has deepened uncertainty within the cartel. El Menzo's son, Ruben Oseguera González, was also sentenced to life in prison and ordered to surrender a substantial $6 billion in drug-related assets.
In this uncertain landscape, Juan Carlos Valencia González appears to be one of the key figures who could take over the leadership of the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel, although time will tell who will finally emerge as El Menzo's successor in this powerful criminal organization.
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