When was Griselda Released from Jail? How did Griselda Blanco get Arrested?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jan 29, 2024
When was Griselda Released from Jail?
Griselda Blanco, infamously known as the "Godmother of Cocaine," was released from prison in 2004. After being arrested in her home by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on February 17, 1985, Blanco was initially sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiring to manufacture, import, and distribute cocaine. During her incarceration, she faced additional charges of three counts of first-degree murder by the state of Florida.
Despite a prosecution deal with one of Blanco's trusted hitmen, Jorge Ayala, the case collapsed due to technicalities related to a phone sex scandal. In 1998, Blanco pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder and received a 20-year sentence, running concurrently with her initial conviction.
While serving her sentence, Blanco's health deteriorated, and in 2002, she suffered a heart attack in prison. Subsequently, in 2004, due to her ongoing health issues, Blanco was granted compassionate release from prison. She was deported to Medellín, marking the end of her incarceration after nearly two decades behind bars.
Who was Griselda Blanco?
Griselda Blanco widely recognized as the "Cocaine Godmother," She was a notorious Colombian drug lord who played a prominent role in the cocaine-based drug trade and the criminal underworld of Miami, USA. Active during the 1970s through the early 2000s, Blanco gained notoriety for her involvement in illegal activities and was rumored to have been associated with the infamous Medellín Cartel. Her influence extended across the drug trade, contributing to the turbulent and dangerous landscape of the Miami underworld.
Tragically, Griselda Blanco's life came to a violent end when she was assassinated in Medellín on September 3, 2012, at the age of 69. Her death marked the conclusion of a controversial and criminal legacy that left an indelible impact on the history of the drug trade in the Americas. Blanco's story remains a compelling and complex narrative, reflecting the dark and dangerous world of drug trafficking during her era.
Specifications
Details
Name
Griselda Blanco
Born
February 14, 1943
Born Place
Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Died
September 3, 2012
Death Place
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Age at Death
69
Cause of Death
Gunshot wounds
Spouses
Carlos Trujillo, Alberto Bravo, Darío Sepúlveda
Children
4 sons
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Griselda Blanco Early Life
Griselda Blanco Restrepo, born in Cartagena, Colombia, on the country's north coast, had a tumultuous early life that set the stage for her later involvement in criminal activities. At the age of three, Blanco and her mother, Ana Blanco, relocated to Medellín, exposing her to a criminal environment from a young age. Her formative years were marked by a series of events that hinted at her future criminal inclinations.
By the age of 11, Blanco was allegedly involved in a shocking incident where she kidnapped, attempted to ransom, and ultimately shot a child from an affluent neighborhood near her home. This early exposure to criminal behavior foreshadowed her unconventional path in life. Blanco's life took a darker turn as she became a pickpocket before even reaching the age of 13.
Facing the harsh realities of her circumstances, she ran away from home at 19 to escape sexual abuse from her mother's boyfriend. In Medellín, Blanco resorted to stealing, and it is also speculated that she engaged in prostitution to sustain herself financially during this challenging period, although Blanco denied such claims. Her early life laid the foundation for a complex and controversial journey into a world marked by crime and notoriety.
Griselda Blanco Marital Life
Griselda Blanco's personal life was marked by three marriages and four children, each playing a significant role in the tumultuous narrative of her criminal career. Blanco's first husband was Carlos Trujillo, whom she met at the age of 13. The couple had three sons together in Medellín: Dixon, Uber, and Osvaldo, all born before Blanco turned 21. Despite divorcing, Blanco and Trujillo remained business partners. However, a business dispute turned fatal, leading Blanco to have Trujillo executed.
Following the demise of her first marriage, Blanco married Alberto Bravo. Upon their return to Colombia, their relationship soured as Blanco accused Bravo of embezzling millions from their enterprise, while Bravo accused Blanco of letting her "Godmother" nickname get to her head. Blanco resolved the dispute in a chilling manner, murdering Bravo by shooting him in the head.
With her third husband, Darío Sepúlveda, Blanco had her youngest son, Michael Corleone Blanco, named after the character from "The Godfather." The marriage faced challenges, and Sepúlveda left Blanco in 1983. A custody dispute over Michael ensued, leading Blanco to pay for Sepúlveda's assassination in Colombia. Michael, later facing legal troubles himself, was raised by his paternal grandmother and legal guardians due to Blanco's incarceration.
Despite the tumultuous upbringing, Michael Blanco has ventured into various ventures, including running a clothing brand called "Pure Blanco," and has shared his experiences on documentary series like "Evil Lives Here" and "Cartel Crew." He also mentioned that his mother, Griselda Blanco, became a born-again Christian in her later years.
Griselda Blanco Death
On September 3, 2012, Griselda Blanco met a tragic end in a manner that eerily mirrored the violence associated with her notorious reputation. On that day, Blanco, accompanied by her pregnant daughter-in-law, visited the Cardiso butcher shop located on the corner of 29th Street in Medellín.
As Blanco exited the establishment, an assailant riding a motorcycle approached and ruthlessly shot her twice, ultimately causing her death. The assassination was a chilling replication of the method for which Blanco herself was often credited during her reign in the drug trade, particularly in Miami.
The violent and calculated nature of Blanco's demise served as a grim reflection of the dangerous world she had long been a part of. Her death marked the conclusion of a notorious criminal career that had left an indelible impact on the drug trade, and the circumstances surrounding her assassination further emphasized the brutal and unforgiving nature of the criminal underworld she had once dominated.
How did Griselda Blanco get Arrested?
Griselda Blanco was arrested on February 17, 1985, in her home by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). She faced charges of conspiring to manufacture, import, and distribute cocaine. The trial took place in federal court in New York City, resulting in a guilty verdict and a 15-year prison sentence. While serving her term, Blanco faced additional charges of three first-degree murders in Florida.
The case encountered a setback as a deal with her hitman, Jorge Ayala, collapsed due to technicalities related to a scandal. In 1998, Blanco pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder, receiving a 20-year concurrent sentence. Blanco's criminal journey ultimately led to her arrest and subsequent legal troubles.
When was Griselda Released from Jail - FAQs
Griselda Blanco was released from prison in 2004.
Griselda Blanco was granted compassionate release in 2004 due to ongoing health issues.
Blanco was initially arrested on February 17, 1985, and charged with conspiring to manufacture, import, and distribute cocaine. She was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
Griselda Blanco's release was based on compassionate grounds, considering her health issues.
After her release from prison in 2004, Griselda Blanco was deported to Medellín.