A Mexican judge who presided over many high-profile drug cases and handled legal challenges filed by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was shot and killed, according to Reuters.
Judge Vicente Bermudez was shot in the head outside his home Monday night, according to CBS News. He died shortly after the shooting.
Tonight on @NBCNightlyNews - the cold blooded hit on a Mexican judge caught on camera ... and the cartel connection. pic.twitter.com/u0FLOtoswP
— Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) October 18, 2016
Bermudez presided over a series of cases involving drug kingpins, but his most recent was filed by Guzman, the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Guzman had filed appeals to prevent his extradition to the United States where he would face charges for drug trafficking, money-laundering and murder charges.
Mexico's Foreign Relations Department said in May that the U.S. needed to provide "adequate guarantees" that Guzman would not face the death penalty if he were extradited.
According to CBS News, Mexico has abolished the death penalty and will not extradite prisoners if they face the possibility of execution.
Bermudez worked in Mexico's state court, which was located near the prison where Guzman is being held.
CBS reports that Bermudez also presided over motions filed by Miguel Trevino, who was the leader of another cartel.
President Enrique Pena Nieto has ordered the attorney general to investigate the murder.
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