Mexico City's General Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that Óscar Noé Medina González, alias 'El Panu' and presumed Los Chapitos member close to Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, was killed on December 21 in a Zona Rosa restaurant—initially a case sparking identity questions. He died from gunshot wounds while with family; another person was injured. An investigation into qualified homicide is underway.
Confirmation of ‘El Panu’ Killing in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa
The Mexico City General Prosecutor's Office (FGJCDMX) verified via fingerprint analysis that the victim killed on December 21 at the Luaú Chinese restaurant in the Cuauhtémoc borough's Juárez neighborhood—near Zona Rosa—was Óscar Noé Medina González ('El Panu'). An armed individual in dark clothing, a cap, and face mask fired multiple shots at his table amid family members. Medina died at the scene; the injured companion was hospitalized.
Security forces cordoned the area, with forensic teams and police collecting evidence. The FGJCDMX press release noted: “Through fingerprint examinations, the identity of the victim was confirmed, identified as a presumed member of the criminal group Los Chapitos.” This follows initial reports questioning the identity, including family claims of a legitimate businessman.
Background on ‘El Panu’
A key operative for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar (son of 'El Chapo') and the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, 'El Panu' was linked by U.S. authorities (DOJ, DEA) to territorial expansion in Chihuahua, Sonora, Coahuila, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. Accusations include rival tortures/executions (e.g., vs. Los Zetas in 2017), FGR agent killings, a 2022 Chihuahua prosecutor's office assault, and the 2019 'Culiacanazo' for Ovidio Guzmán's release. A U.S. $4 million reward was offered for his role in drug trafficking.
The FGJCDMX probe continues to identify the assailant and motive amid ongoing cartel conflicts.
