NPR

Jury Hears Closing Arguments As Dramatic 'El Chapo' Trial Nears Its End

Prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg said in her closing arguments that Joaquín Guzmán led the Sinaloa drug cartel. Dozens of witnesses said he tortured and killed people and that he bribed officials in Mexico.

The trial for Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who stands accused of leading one of the world's most infamous drug trafficking organizations, has unfolded like a television drama.

In laying out her closing argument on Wednesday — day 37 of the trial — Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Goldbarg presented the jury with a montage of images and intercepted audio which, she said, explicitly laid out how drugs were transported, how police were paid off and how violence coursed through the cartel with Guzmán at its helm.

"You heard it from his own words," she told the jurors, tying the recordings and weeks of witness testimony to

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
How Much Should I Spend On A Wedding Present? Life Kit's Tips Of The Month
Our April roundup of expert advice includes a nifty negotiation tactic, guidance on how to prevent digital eye strain and why you should travel during 'shoulder season.'
NPR2 min read
Military Families In Hawaii Spark Trial Over 2021 Jet Fuel Leak That Tainted Water
A trial for a mass environmental injury case begins in Hawaii on Monday, more than two years after a U.S. military facility poisoned thousands of people when it leaked jet fuel into drinking water.
NPR6 min read
8 Tracks: Beyond The Grave, Johnny Cash Still Shows Us How To Make Music
A new Johnny Cash song got NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich thinking about music released after a beloved artist dies. Check out "Well Alright," plus new music by Arooj Aftab and Tems on 8 Tracks.

Related Books & Audiobooks