On Wednesday, Eduardo Ravelo, known as “Tablas,” pleaded guilty in an El Paso federal courtroom to a series of crimes tied to the 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juárez, Mexico. The case underscores the long reach of cross-border crime and the persistence of federal prosecution.
Plea and Charges
The plea covers racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and import drugs, money-laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and murder in aid of racketeering. All charges stem from the coordinated attacks that took place on March 13 2010 in Juárez.
2010 Murders
Prosecutors say the 56-year-old was the Barrio Azteca gang’s leader in Mexico from about 2004, directing drug trafficking and overseeing hit squads. He is alleged to have orchestrated the killings by monitoring radio communications and directing gang members.
Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton, her husband Arthur Redelfs, and a 7-month-old daughter were in a car outside a birthday party when they were gunned down. The child survived the attack, but the unborn child was also killed.
Separately, Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee, was killed in the same raid. An El Paso County detention officer was also a target in the operation.
Ravelo’s History
Ravelo was placed on the FBI’s “10 Most Wanted Fugitives” list in 2009 and remained there until his arrest in 2018 in Mexico. He was extradited to the United States on February 20 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The 2011 indictments named 35 Barrio Azteca members and associates, including Ravelo, on charges ranging from racketeering to retaliation against informants. Most of those defendants have been apprehended and pleaded guilty, leaving only a handful awaiting trial or extradition.
Official Statements
Justin R. Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, said: “(Monday’s) plea also ensures he is held responsible for his leadership of a vicious criminal enterprise that terrorized the city of Juárez and contributed to the poisoning of our communities on this side of the border,” Simmons said. He added that the case spans decades and reflects the commitment to pursue violent criminals regardless of how long justice takes.
Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano of the DEA El Paso Field Division said: “This case is a tragic reminder of the inseparable link between drug trafficking and violence,” Arellano said. He emphasized that DEA personnel remain steadfast in bringing violent traffickers to justice.
Legal Context
Ravelo faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison under the current statutes. A sentencing date has not yet been set, and the court will schedule it in the coming months.
One unnamed defendant in the 2011 case committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office release. The remaining defendants include a mix of Mexican nationals and U.S. residents.
Current Status
Ravelo’s arrest ended a nearly decade-long fugitive status that began after the 2009 FBI listing. His extradition demonstrates the cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities in addressing cross-border crime.
The life sentence reflects the gravity of the murders and the role Ravelo played in orchestrating them. It also signals the federal government’s stance on gang-related violence.
The court has not yet determined a specific sentencing date, leaving the case pending until the next hearing. Legal experts anticipate a formal sentencing in the near future.
Key Takeaways
- Eduardo Ravelo pleaded guilty to multiple racketeering and murder charges tied to 2010 Juárez killings.
- He was a long-time Barrio Azteca leader and former FBI most wanted fugitive.
- The case highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to prosecute cross-border organized crime.
Ravelo’s guilty plea brings closure to a case that has haunted U.S. Consulate staff and the Juárez community for more than a decade, underscoring the enduring fight against organized crime. The federal judiciary continues to pursue justice for victims while maintaining vigilance over the transnational threats posed by gangs.
