The death certificate of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho' and leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), records his death on February 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Tapalpa, Jalisco—from gunshot wounds—contradicting federal officials' claim that he died during aerial transfer after a joint Mexico-US operation there. The body was released to family for burial.
The death certificate, issued by the Mexico City Civil Registry, states that 'El Mencho' died in Tapalpa from thoracic, abdominal, and lower limb gunshot wounds. This conflicts with Ricardo Trevilla, head of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), who reported that Oseguera succumbed during transfer by plane to Morelia Airport, Michoacán, following the February 22 operation. The body was then taken to Mexico City International Airport, where the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) confirmed identity before release.
The funeral occurred on March 2 in Jalisco, featuring a golden coffin and CJNG-alluding floral arrangements with his nickname 'El Señor de los Gallos', at Zapopan's Recinto de la Paz Pantheon.
President Claudia Sheinbaum called on the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to explain the failure to secure the Tapalpa cabin post-operation, allowing media access from February 23 and potential evidence tampering, including a letter dated August 7, 2025, referencing the band Los Alegres del Barranco.
Post-death, violence erupted with internal CJNG disputes over Michoacán plazas like Uruapan, where 10 died between February 26-28. Gerardo 'N' ('El Congo'), arrested March 2 and linked to CJNG, provided details. Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch identified potential successors: Juan Carlos Valencia González ('El O3'), Audias Flores Silva ('El Jardinero'), and Ricardo Ruiz Velasco ('Doble R').
