El Mago, A Friend of Ivan Guzman, Was Killed in Los Angeles - Updated

"HEARST", "Enojon", and "Socalj" for Borderland Beat

This morning, the Sinaloa Cartel - Chapitos figure “El Mago” was reportedly killed in a shooting in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles, California. 

Who is El Mago? 

“El Mago” or “the Magician” is the criminal alias of a friend of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman. El Mago’s real name is alleged to be Eduardo (or Eddie) Escobedo.

He originally hails from the Mexican state of Durango but was believed to operate in the California area later in his life. 

El Mago was known to be involved in a shooting in December 2008 that took place in Los Angeles, which left 25-year-old Jose Luis Macias dead in his silver Bentley. Jose Macias was said to have been involved in drug sales for the Cártel Arellano Félix (CAF). 

In July 2011, El Mago was allegedly arrested alongside seven others after officers discovered them transporting 2,648 pounds of marijuana in the Torrance area of Los Angeles, California. 

El Mago is said to be the owner of a chain of Los Angeles-based food trucks and restaurants.

Now, Margarita Escobedo is the registered business owner, however, Eddie's name is listed in relation to the trademarking of a character by the company called "Eddie Hibachi" in 2021.

The Japanese hibachi food truck has seen several name changes over the years. From Benihibachi to Behibachi and currently Besthibachi, with that change occurring last year. This is due to the similar naming of the Benihana chain restaurant. In 2020, Benihibachi was sued by Noodle Time, who licenses the Benihana name to the franchisees, for trademark infringement.

What Happened? 

Very few details have been released but so far it has been reported that during the morning of Thursday, November 23, 2023, a shooting occurred in an industrial area of the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles.

The shooting was said to have specifically taken place near the intersection of Rosecrans and Towne Avenues, in an area of warehouses crowded with shipping containers, semi trucks, and forklifts. Strangely, this area is said to also be "rented out for parties.”

ABC7 writes that the shooting was reported to authorities at approximately 8:30am. When authorities arrived at the reported location, they reportedly found three men who had suffered gunshot wounds near a number of black vehicles.

The vehicles include a black Cadillac Escalade near the two bodies as well as a Chevrolet or GMC truck and BMW Coupe across the alley. Several evidence markers, likely indicating shell casings from the shooting, are seen on the ground surrounding the vehicles.

Two of the three men were declared dead on scene and the third man was rushed to hospital for treatment of injuries to his upper body. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

ABC7 news reported that the victims ranged in age from "20-30 years," according to detectives they interviewed. "El Mago" was 39 years old based on the prior arrest information.

Sheriff's Lt. Omar Camacho said "We have no motive at this time. It appears that there was some type of gathering or party at the location from last night to early this morning." He stated that several have been detained as part of the investigation, but they are still determining if any of them are suspects and if other suspects are still out there.

Later, KTLA reported that “A possible suspect has been detained but is not in custody.” Family and friends of victims arrived outside of the crime scene, and according to ABC7 declined to speak to any media about the shooting and the victims.

Mago's Social Media Posts

El Mago’s social media accounts demonstrated various aspects of his lifestyle and the way in which he wanted to be seen by the public at large. The following are photos taken directly from his social media accounts.

Videos from Mago's Social Media 

Above is the last video Mago posted to his story, on the night/morning he was killed

Shooting Sources: ABC7, KTLA

History Sources: LA Times, LAPD Online, Daily Herald, CBS News, Justia, Besthibachi

Update 11/24/2023: 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records confirm the identity of El Mago as Eduardo Escobedo and show that he died at the industrial lot near another man named Guillermo de Los Angeles. 

Mago was said to have been born on May 7, 1984, and he died when he was 39 years old. Guillermo was said to have been born on September 27, 1976, and he died when he was 47 years old.

In 2015, Guillermo de Los Angeles pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced to serve ten years in prison. According to a report by the LA Times, Guillermo was an 18th St gang member going by the street name "Sad Boy."

In 2021, Guillermo petitioned for a reduction of his sentence due to difficulty breathing and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, his request was denied. This petition was denied however Guillermo was released to a halfway house in October 2022 and officially was released from BOP custody on December 23, 2022.

Mago's son has posted images of himself with a black BMW which resembles one of the vehicles seen at the scene of the shooting.

Source LA Times