Barrio Azteca Boss Pleads Guilty to Consulate Murders

The former FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitive’ and Barrio Azteca gang leader Eduardo Ravelo, known as Tablas, has finally faced justice for his role in the 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez, Mexico. In a federal court in El Paso, Texas, Ravelo, aged 57, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy (RICO), conspiracy to distribute and import drugs, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and murder in aid of racketeering.

Ravelo’s actions led to the shooting deaths of three individuals associated with the U.S. Consulate when gunmen opened fire into their vehicle. Today’s plea ensures accountability for his leadership in a criminal enterprise that terrorized Juarez and contributed to violence across the border.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division emphasized, ‘The Criminal Division will not tolerate violent attacks on those who support our embassies and consulates abroad.’ Ravelo faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison at sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas highlighted the dedication of law enforcement agencies involved in this case, stating, ‘This latest development reflects our commitment to pursuing and prosecuting violent criminals like Ravelo regardless of how long it takes.’

The DEA’s Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano noted, ‘The dedicated men and women of the DEA remain steadfast in their mission to bring violent drug traffickers to justice for their heinous crimes.’

According to court documents, Ravelo was one of 35 Barrio Azteca members charged with various criminal acts. All have been apprehended, with 28 pleading guilty, including Ravelo.