Benjamen Gutierrez Quiroz murdered in Tijuana
In a continuation of the violence that is washing the streets of Tijuana with blood and narco mantas, a frenzied war of attrition and blood for blood, the brother of 'El Melvin' was murdered Saturday night in Tijuana.
Melvin Gutierrez was captured just over 2 years ago, in Tijuana, by elements of the Army. He was found in a barren safe-house, with an AR-15, sent immediately to Mexico City, on firearm charges, he has been imprisoned ever since. Melvin is from Barrio Logan, San Diego, which carries a legacy with Tijuana, and the Arellano Felix family.
Barrio Logan is headed towards revitalization, the latest word which describes the gentrification of an area, mostly by wealthy white investors, but one hopes some local community business owners too. New restaurants, condo developments are repainting the area that for so long has been symbolic of gang violence, and desperate poverty.
It was different in the 90's, when Melvin began his career in the CAF. It was different when Spooky and Puma, and others trained in Tijuana under Ramon Arellano Felix, and Russian mercenaries in safe-houses, eventually killing a cardinal in 1993, at the Guadalajara airport, while Chapo Guzman escaped unharmed. It was a lifetime ago.
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| Gustavo Riveria Martinez 'El EP 1' |
Melvin began his career in similar ways, eventually working up to become a confidante of Fernando Sanchez Arellano, and one assumes, his uncles before him. It was said Melvin took over operations from Gustvao Riveria Martinez, a Bontita, San Diego native. However, this was also said about Manuel Ivvanovich Flores, 'El Jimmy', who was arrested in 2009, and released in 2013.
Melvin trafficked across the border, and allegedly conducted enforcement activities for Sanchez Arellano, including working directly with the Azarte Arteaga brothers, to send product, and collect taxes. After Melvin's capture it was said the relationship between the rival groups faltered, as Sanchez Arellano lost a key ally.
Less is known about Benjamin, 'El Quecho', only that he was murdered at an OXXO, near his Tijuana home, in Zona Rio, he was driving a truck, and carrying luggage. Reports have indicated he was leaving Tijuana, that night. Of course, he could have been arriving also. Neighbors said they did not know him, and he had not lived there for long. His girlfriend and relatives argued with investigators who took pictures of his body.
Police and official statements offer conflicting reports, some say he was continuing his brother's business affairs, and some indicate he worked in a mechanics shop in Colonia Libertad.
It seems the fight in Tijuana is just beginning.
Sources: AFN Tijuana