San Diego,CA – Vanessa Gurrola,a former beauty queen and social media influencer,was arrested last Thursday,October 9,in San Diego,California,and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the February 2024 death of her ex-partner. Her first court hearing is scheduled for October 27.
Gurrola’s arrest marks a dramatic turn for the Mexican model, whose life shifted after being publicly linked to “los Chapitos,” the criminal faction led by the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera. The connection surfaced in October 2025 with the distribution of a pamphlet in Sinaloa, Mexico, identifying Gurrola among influencers allegedly close to the cartel.
Authorities allege Gurrola’s involvement in the homicide of Espinoza, who died from gunshot wounds earlier this year. The San Diego County District Attorney’s office confirmed an active arrest warrant had been in place for several months prior to her detention at a border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana.
Prior to her arrest, Gurrola had been traveling in Bali, Indonesia, and shared posts on social media referencing a “KINTSUGI” meditation process – embracing the beauty of brokenness. The pamphlet identifying her association with “Los Chapitos” featured her image alongside other influencers, including camilo Ochoa, known as “El Alucín,” who was later murdered. the flyer circulated in Culiacán, sinaloa, showcasing individuals perceived as having close ties to the cartel.
