A lawyer representing the family of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, has filed a written petition with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office to start the formal El Mencho body release process. Officials said the remains cannot be handed over immediately because the public prosecutor must complete required steps tied to chain-of-custody protocols.
Authorities said the body is being held by Mexico City’s forensic service while administrative procedures continue. Officials also said forensic personnel performed an autopsy and confirmed identity through genetic testing before any release could be considered.
The request follows an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where special forces and the national guard surrounded a security detail at tourist cabins after tracking one of Oseguera’s romantic partners. Authorities said gunmen fired on troops, eight people were killed at the scene and Oseguera and two bodyguards were later found critically wounded and evacuated.
Officials said all three died during helicopter transport, after which the aircraft diverted to transfer the bodies to an air force plane for Mexico City, avoiding a Guadalajara landing due to security risk.
Key procedural points:
- Only close relatives can claim remains with proof of relationship
- The family chose to proceed through legal counsel
- Two arrested suspects face weapons charges with mandatory pretrial detention
