Who Is Jessica Johanna Oseguera González? Inside the Future of CJNG After El Mencho’s Death

February 23, 2026 – Mexican authorities confirmed that Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed during a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22, 2026. He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups.

Security forces reportedly wounded him during a shootout. He was airlifted for medical treatment but died from his injuries. His death has raised one key question: who will lead CJNG next?

One name that often appears in discussions is his daughter, Jessica Johana Oseguera González, also known as “La Negra.”

Who Is Jessica Johanna Oseguera González?

Jessica Johanna Oseguera González is the daughter of El Mencho. Unlike some cartel figures, she was not known as a frontline commander. Instead, U.S. authorities alleged that she managed businesses connected to CJNG’s financial operations.

In 2020, she was arrested in the United States on charges related to financial transactions linked to cartel activities. She later pleaded guilty to engaging in prohibited financial dealings. In April 2022, she was released after serving a reduced sentence.

Investigators claimed she helped manage companies that were allegedly used to move funds. However, she has kept a low public profile since her release.

Is Jessica Likely to Lead CJNG?

Security experts believe her chances of leading CJNG openly are limited.

There are several reasons:

• She does not have a known armed command background.

• Her past conviction in the U.S. may restrict international movement.

• Other senior figures have more operational control within the cartel.

Although she belongs to the immediate family, CJNG leadership is often based on operational strength and control over armed groups.

Who Are the Main Successor Candidates?

After El Mencho’s death, analysts say CJNG may not appoint a single leader immediately. Instead, power could be divided among senior commanders.

Some of the reported key figures include:

Juan Carlos Valencia González (El Pelón)

Juan Carlos Valencia González is believed to be El Mencho’s stepson. The U.S. government has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. He is considered a strong operational figure within CJNG.

Audias Flores Silva (El Jardinero)

Audias Flores Silva has been described by U.S. authorities as a regional commander. He is also listed under U.S. sanctions and faces a similar reward offer.

Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán (El Sapo)

Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán is reported to control operations in Puerto Vallarta. He is considered an important operational leader in the cartel’s structure.

Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez (El Chorro)

Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, El Mencho’s son-in-law, is another possible contender. His family connection and internal influence may give him a strategic advantage.

Why Are El Mencho’s Biological Children Less Likely to Lead?

El Mencho’s son, Rubén Oseguera González, also known as El Menchito, was once seen as his father’s successor. However, he was extradited to the United States and convicted in 2024 on trafficking and firearms charges. He now faces a long prison sentence.

Jessica Johanna Oseguera González, while financially connected in the past, does not appear to have direct control over armed operations.

Because of this, experts believe leadership may shift to senior commanders rather than family members.

More About El Mencho

El Mencho was once a police officer before entering organized crime. He later joined the Milenio Cartel before forming CJNG.

Under his leadership, CJNG expanded rapidly. The cartel became involved in drug trafficking, fuel theft, extortion, and other criminal activities. At the time of his death, the U.S. government had placed a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

What Happens Next for CJNG?

El Mencho’s death could lead to internal conflict or restructuring within CJNG. In similar cases, cartels either split into rival factions or strengthen under a new central leader.

Mexican authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Increased security operations are expected in Jalisco and nearby regions.

For now, there is no official confirmation that Jessica Johanna Oseguera González will lead CJNG. Leadership decisions within criminal organizations are often based on operational power rather than family ties.

The coming weeks will reveal whether CJNG remains united or faces internal challenges.