Baltasar Sauceda Estrada, popularly known as “El Mataperros,” has received a lengthy prison sentence of 135 years for his alleged role in the 2011 attack on Casino Royale in Monterrey, Mexico.
The Office of the Attorney General (FGR) confirmed the verdict, highlighting his affiliation with the Cártel de Los Zetas and noting that he must also pay a fine exceeding MXN 1.2 million (approximately USD 68,000) for crimes related to organized crime and kidnapping.
The decision was issued by the Second Federal Criminal Court in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, which found Estrada guilty of drug offenses and the illegal deprivation of liberty involving three victims.
The FGR also reported that five other individuals linked to the assault were convicted. Each received a 15-year prison sentence and a fine of over MXN 370,000. All of them were identified as members of the same criminal organization.
These individuals were apprehended between 2011 and 2012, under federal warrants. Some were already incarcerated for other crimes at the time of their prosecution.
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Notably, just a day prior—on August 24, 2011—a nearby betting shop operated by Grupo Caliente in Saltillo was also targeted, with reports indicating explosions and gunfire.
The attack on Casino Royale resulted in 52 fatalities, with assailants pouring gasoline inside, igniting the building, and blocking exits, effectively trapping patrons and staff.
In 2021, the structure housing the casino was demolished, and in August 2024, a memorial was unveiled to honor those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Baltasar Sauceda Casino Royale Attack
