Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman is nearing an extradition to the United States after a Mexican judge ruled for the motion on Thursday (Oct. 20).
A statement from the Mexican Attorney General’s Office showed two of the five appeals processed by the kingpin’s defense were rejected. Three were previously dismissed, CNN reports. Currently, the head of the Sinaloa cartel is facing drug trafficking charges in Mexico and money-laundering, weapons and murder charges in six states across the US. Guzman can file one final appeal before he can be formally extradited.
Since his capture in January, a series of unfortunate events have followed the 59-year-old. His son, Jesus Alfredo Guzman, was kidnapped from a Puerto Vallarta restaurant but was freed a week later. The judge in Guzman’s Mexico case was assassinated last Monday while jogging. Judge Vicente Bermudez worked near the Altiplano prison where Guzman is currently being held. His defense denied any role in the shooting, claiming it would hurt more than help his case.
While his extradition could come as early as January or February 2017, Guzman’s legal team can file the final appeal on Tuesday (Oct. 25)