El Chueco, A Devotee Of Santa Muerte

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Video translation is as follows: 

Newscaster: In Chihuahua we continue with the case of the priests, the Jesuits murdered almost a month ago. El Chueco allegedly responsible for this crime lived in a luxurious house. He dedicated himself to extorting money from the inhabitants of the Cerocahui community. He practically had his house armored. There was even an observatory there to ensure that no one approached.

José Antonio Belmont: This is the house of Noriel Portillo Gil, El Chueco. The criminal in the Sierra Tarahumara who three weeks ago murdered two Jesuit priests, a tour guide, and a 22-year-old man in the community of Cerocahui. Located in the town of Bahuichivo, in the Urique ravine.

The house stands out for its luxurious American-style architecture. With fine interior finishes and even a patio with synthetic grass. A stark contrast to the poverty that is suffered in this nearby region of Chihuahua. In particular in this small community that doesn’t reach 800 inhabitants and that like so many others the criminal had subjugated. 

Roberto Fierro: We actually received a complaint that they couldn't handle this guy anymore. So, from there we set our eyes on a search for the objective. They told us there that he was extorting money in the area and that he was committing his crimes.

José Antonio Belmont: As if luxury were not enough, there is still something more striking that distinguishes El Chueco’s house. An authentic fortress built in front in which at least a dozen hitmen lived exclusively to guard over him. In the rooms there are altars of the Santa Muerte. And in a couple of strategic points, balconies to monitor at all times.

The so-called embrasures are also striking. Holes that they make in the walls that surround the property and that they use as a parapet if some criminal group approaches. A couple of months ago, the Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office and the Secretary of the Navy broke into this house to try to arrest El Chueco, but he managed to escape.

However, the authorities seized weapons, drugs, and property valued at seventy million pesos in a historic confiscation.

Roberto Fierro: We searched it to review it, that is precisely where we arrived at the search for the objective. We were about to capture him. But we also weaken the organization by seizing a large stockpile of high caliber weapons, rounds, drugs, and vehicles with reports of theft.

José Antonio Belmont: Everyone in Bahuichivo knew that El Chueco lived there. Far from hiding before the tragic day in Cerocahui, he moved freely and with impunity. The authorities in Chihuahua attribute this to the fact that for years the Sierra Tarahumara was forgotten. But they guarantee that El Chueco will be arrested.

Telediario Monterrey