Cartels, Conspiracies, and Camarena

Episode 25 -- The Misapplication, Mischaracterization, and Misuse of Facts

Many of those advancing scandalous theories in connection with Agent Camarena's kidnapping and murder, including Agent Berrellez, Tiller Russell, and Amazon Prime, have done so based on "asserted" facts that are not facts but, instead, unsupported statements and accusations.  This episode exposes the repeated and malicious misuse of the term "facts" and the incorrect application of statements as facts.  

Episode 23 -- ”The Last Narc” Jeopardizing the Case Against Caro-Quintero

In the most significant episode so far, we examine how the many social media statement made by Hector Berrellez and others, many of which contains factual errors, inconsistencies, or flaws of logic, are shared widely without challenge.  Most importantly, we discuss how those statements could negatively impact any potential prosecution of Caro-Quintero for crimes relating to Agent Camarena.  

Episode 22 -- The CJNG and the Violence in Mexico

The recent violence in border towns in Mexico has been in the news and the subject of discussion.  This week, we look at the primary source of this violence, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, its history and leadership.  In addition, we try to find some links to the past and make some assertions about the cartel system in today's Mexico.   

Episode 21 -- Questioning J. Jesus Esquivel’s ”La CIA, Camarena y Caro-Quintero”

In this episode, we look into the factual assertions made by author and journalist J. Jesus Esquivel in his book, La CIA, Camarena y Caro-Quintero.  Specifically, we point out errors and inconsistencies that call into question the validity of other factual assertions in the book, as well as the veracity of any statements made by Godoy, Lopez Romero, and Lira.  

Episode 20 -- Re-Examining The Last Narc: Part 2

This episode continues our reexamination of The Last Narc, identifying additional internal inconsistencies and inaccuracies that further erode the credibility of the Agent Berrellez, the so-called witnesses, and the docuseries itself.  

Episode 19 -- A Re-Examination of The Last Narc - Part 1

The Amazon Prime docuseries The Last Narc, directed by Tiller Russell and starring retired DEA agent Hector Berrellez, makes a number of significant, if incredible, claims and assertions regarding the Camarena case. 
A thorough review of the program, however, reveals startling inconsistencies and factual errors in the series itself that call into question the veracity of those claims and allegations and require a skeptical, if not dubious, view of the filmmakers and distributors themselves.  

Episode 18 -- The Capture of Rafael Caro Quintero

This past Friday, Rafael Caro Quintero was captured by Mexican Marines in the state of Sinaloa.  This episode looks at the known facts regarding his capture and touches on some of the issues raised by the capture and its timing.  In addition, Agent Camarena's supervisor and friend, Jaime Kuykendall, gives his thoughts on these events.
Out of respect for Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala, as well as 14 people who perished in a helicopter crash after supporting the apprehension operation, this is a solemn episode that does not delve into the controversies and issues we have addressed over the last several weeks.  

Episode 17 -- Ruben Zuno-Arce: Who He Was and Why He is Important (Pt. 2)

Our examination of Ruben Zuno-Arce's case in this episode, combined with the facts presented in Part 1, provides a foundation for us to question the government's investigation and prosecution of the Camarena case, including issues of government overreach, dubious witnesses, paid informants, and false allegations.  This analysis is relevant to not only the Camarena case, but also to other and current government investigations.  

Episode 16 -- Ruben Zuno-Arce: Who He Was and Why He is Important (Pt. 1)

Ruben Zuno-Arce was a central figure in two criminal trials in the U.S., a key subject of several episodes of Narcos: Mexico, and is vilified in The Last Narc.  
This episode takes a look at who Mr. Zuno was, his history and background, and analyzes the two criminal trials and the witnesses against Mr. Zuno.  This episode leads into next week's second part which will detail why Mr. Zuno's case is significant and what it can tell us about the government's investigations and prosecutions.

James Kuykendall Interview -- Part 2 (Corrected)

I recently learned that for many the recording of part 2 of my interview with Jaime Kuykendall was playing Jaime's answers but not my questions.  Because I think that interview is so important, I am republishing it and hope you will take the time to hear the full conversation.