Griselda Blanco, Miami's Cocaine Queen, Assassinated In Medellin Butcher Shop

Francisco Alvarado September 3, 2012 11:43PM

Earlier today, a motorcycle-riding assassin pumped two bullets into the head of Griselda Blanco inside a Medellin, Colombia, butcher shop; ending the life of the queen of Miami's violent Cocaine Cowboys era. It was a bloody cinematic ending for the 69-year-old retired cocaine trafficker who was insatiably fond of the gangster epic The Godfather -- going as far as naming her youngest son Michael Corleone.

See also:

-- "Michael Corleone Blanco lives in the shadow of his cocaine-queen mother"

-- "Jon Roberts, Smuggler in Cocaine Cowboys, Dies"

Longtime Blanco family friend Cristian Rios confirmed reports by Colombian news outlets that Blanco died from her wounds after she was transported to a nearby hospital. "It's hard to comprehend right now," he tells Riptide. "I'm hoping the reprisals end here."

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Francisco Alvarado was born in Nicaragua and grew up in Miami, giving him unique insight into the Magic City and all its dark corners. An investigative reporter with a knack for uncovering corruption, Alvarado made his bones as a staff writer at Miami New Times and remains in dogged pursuit of the next juicy story.

Contact: Francisco Alvarado

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