Gunfire erupted on the morning of Thanksgiving in an industrial zone close to Compton, California, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the injury of another. Among the victims was a well-known drug trafficker linked to a Mexican cartel. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies, alongside other emergency responders, found the trio following reports of the gunfire around 8:30 a.m.
A business owner in the vicinity mentioned that the area, featuring shipping containers, forklifts, warehouses, and pallet storage, was frequently used as a party venue. The business owner pointed out that another company regularly leased the space for hosting events.
Law enforcement identified a 39-year-old individual named Eduardo Escobedo as one of the victims, recognized in the streets as El Mago — The Magician. He had established connections with the Sinaloa cartel and had been employed by the son of the notorious trafficking figure Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The second fatality in the incident was Guillermo De Los Angeles Jr., aged 47. Law enforcement has not revealed the identity of the third person involved in the attack, who fortunately survived.
Escobedo spent four years and nine months behind bars in a U.S. federal prison for his involvement in a plot to distribute more than 10,000 kilograms of marijuana. Additionally, he was implicated in money laundering activities, utilizing the proceeds to buy high-end cars that were later shipped to Mexico.
He maintained a close collaboration with Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, the eldest son of El Chapo. Escobedo was also suspected of orchestrating the 2008 assassination of a rival drug trafficker, though law enforcement was unable to establish a direct link to the crime.
Reportedly, Escobedo had made attempts to transform his life by launching a series of food trucks and restaurants. However, evidence indicated that he continued to associate with his previous circle until his unfortunate demise.
