La Catrina Death: Maria Guadalupe López Esquivel, famously known as “La Catrina,” was a prominent figure in Mexico’s criminal underworld. She became a leading member of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) before meeting a tragic end in a violent confrontation with law enforcement. This article delves into her life, her untimely death, and the events surrounding it.
Know La Catrina

Full Name | Maria Guadalupe López Esquivel |
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Alias | La Catrina |
Birth Year | 1998 |
Death Date | January 10, 2020 |
Age at Death | 21 |
Affiliation | Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) |
Notable Roles | Cartel Leader, Hit Squad Organizer |
Known For | Glamorous social media posts, criminal activities, and cartel leadership. |
La Catrina was known for her striking social media presence and her swift rise to power within the CJNG, one of the most dangerous cartels in the world. She quickly became a symbol of the cartel’s reach and brutality.
How Did La Catrina Die?

The story of La Catrina’s death is as dramatic as her life. On January 10, 2020, she was hiding in a safe house in Michoacán, Mexico, along with other cartel members. Mexican law enforcement, including the army and National Guard, launched a raid after receiving intelligence about her location.
During the raid, a violent shootout occurred between the authorities and the cartel members. La Catrina was struck in the neck by a bullet, leaving her severely injured. Video footage from the scene shows her lying on the ground, struggling to breathe, as an officer tried to calm her and assured her that help was on the way. Despite being airlifted to a hospital, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
La Catrina Age at the Time of Death
Maria Guadalupe López Esquivel was just 21 years old when she died. Her young age shocked many, especially considering the power and influence she held within the CJNG.
What Was La Catrina’s Profession?
La Catrina was a cartel leader and assassin. She joined the CJNG in 2017 and quickly climbed the ranks, thanks to her relationship with a high-ranking member, Miguel “El M2” Fernández.
Her responsibilities included:
- Leading a hit squad responsible for assassinations and ambushes.
- Managing cartel finances by paying members and organizing extortion operations.
- Playing a significant role in an ambush that killed more than a dozen state police officers in October 2019.
Her involvement in these criminal activities made her one of the most sought-after figures by law enforcement.
Controversy Around La Catrina’s Death
While there is no major controversy surrounding La Catrina’s death, her lifestyle and social media presence raised questions about the romanticization of criminal figures. Her glamorous photos, often posing with weapons and flaunting wealth, highlighted the paradox of someone so young engaging in such dangerous activities.