Mexican authorities have arrested Gildardo Lopez Astudillo, alias “El Gil,” a suspected drug cartel boss allegedly linked to the disappearance of 43 college students from Ayotzinapa teachers’ college in 2014. Lopez Astudillo, who had been released from prison in 2019, was taken into custody again on charges of organized crime, with further investigations potentially expanding the charges against him.
A federal security source confirmed the arrest, stating, “Gildardo Lopez Astudillo was detained and transferred to the Altiplano maximum security prison.” The source, who spoke anonymously due to a lack of authorization to speak to the media, highlighted that the arrest could bring new developments to the case that has been labeled a “state crime” by a government truth commission.
In September 2014, the 43 students were on their way to a political demonstration in Mexico City when they were allegedly kidnapped by members of the Guerreros Unidos cartel, reportedly in collusion with corrupt police. The exact circumstances of their disappearance remain unknown, and only a few of the victims’ remains have been identified.
Lopez Astudillo’s 2019 release was widely condemned by the families of the missing students, who criticized the court’s decision to free him due to evidence being obtained illegally. His arrest comes just as the families are preparing to hold demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the students’ disappearance. The case has led to multiple arrests, including those of military personnel and a former attorney general involved in the original investigation.
As the search for justice continues, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has reiterated his commitment to uncovering the truth behind the tragic disappearance of the 43 students.
