Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has caught the world’s eye. She went from a beauty pageant contestant to the wife of a notorious drug lord. Her life is filled with intrigue, controversy, and legal battles. This article will explore her journey, her ties to the Sinaloa cartel, and her legal troubles1.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of infamous drug lord El Chapo, has become a central figure in the world of Mexican drug cartels.
- She was arrested in 2021 on drug trafficking charges and eventually pleaded guilty, serving over two years in prison.
- Emma’s family had deep connections to the Sinaloa cartel, and she was actively involved in her husband’s criminal activities, including facilitating his prison escapes.
- Her story highlights the complex and often glamorized relationship between narco spouses and the drug trade in Mexico.
- Emma’s case has sparked debates about the role of women in cartel leadership and the ethical dilemmas faced by those entangled in the world of organized crime.
Introduction to Emma Coronel Aispuro
Early Life and Family Background
Emma Coronel Aispuro was born on July 2, 1989, in Santa Clara, California. Her parents are Inés Coronel Barreras and Blanca Estela Aispuro Aispuro2. She grew up in La Angostura, Durango, in the “Golden Triangle.”
This area is where Sinaloa, Durango, and Chihuahua meet. It’s known for its history of drug trafficking3.
Connection to the Sinaloa Cartel
Emma’s family is linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Her father and two brothers are involved in drug trafficking4. She is also Nacho Coronel’s niece, a key figure in methamphetamine trafficking3.
Her family’s ties to the cartel have greatly influenced her life3. These connections have made her famous and led to legal troubles4.
Meeting and Marrying El Chapo
Emma Coronel Aispuro met Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in 2006, when she was 175. They met at a dance in Canelas, Durango, for the Coffee and Guava Festival queen title. The young beauty caught the eye of the infamous cartel leader65.
The Beauty Pageant Encounter
At a Three Kings Day dance, Guzmán, over 20 years older5, agreed to marry Emma on the spot65. They got married on Emma’s 18th birthday in 2007. This marked the start of her life as El Chapo’s third wife67.
Becoming El Chapo’s Third Wife
When they married, Guzmán had children from his previous marriages. Many were closer in age to Emma than Guzmán6. Despite their age difference and Guzmán’s criminal past, their marriage drew public interest for years7.