Sinaloa Model detained in Connection with San Diego Killing of Alleged Cartel operator
SAN DIEGO, CA – A model and social media influencer from Sinaloa, Mexico, Vanessa Gurrola, has been arrested in connection with the February 17, 2024, shooting death of a man identified as an operator for the Arellano Félix Cartel in San Diego’s University City neighborhood.
Gurrola, who boasts over 1.4 million followers on Instagram, was taken into custody as authorities investigate the murder of the victim, known as “El Chato.” He was found deceased next to a vehicle, with another individual injured nearby.While “El Chato” had no active judicial proceedings, investigators have linked him to Edwin Huerta Nuño, “El Flaquito,” a leader within the criminal institution.
Evidence gathered in the case includes photographs and videos depicting a romantic relationship between Gurrola and the victim. Prior to the allegations, Gurrola had cultivated a public persona as a model and influencer, documenting a lifestyle of travel to destinations including Paris, the Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Indonesia, and promoting beauty and health products.
In 2011, Gurrola was crowned queen of the Floral Games Festival in Mazatlán. She later gained media attention for her physical resemblance to Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, even stating in interviews, “It doesn’t bother me, my followers even increase me.”
In September 2024, Gurrola’s image appeared on flyers distributed by small planes over Culiacán, Mazatlán, and Los Mochis. The flyers accused her of collaborating with Los Chapitos, the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the sons of “El Chapo” Guzmán, alleging involvement in money laundering and real estate fraud.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any connection between the murder of “El Chato” and the internal conflicts within the Sinaloa Cartel. The motive for the shooting remains undisclosed, and Gurrola’s defense has not yet released a statement. Her next hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or enters into legal negotiations.
