María Elvira Murillo is best known as the former wife of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, the infamous Mexican drug lord called “El Padrino.” She lived through the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s, witnessing both wealth and danger while raising their children. Her story reflects the life of a woman connected to one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal figures. Her courage and discretion helped her survive a world filled with crime and fear.
After Félix Gallardo’s arrest in 1989, María Elvira chose a new path. She divorced him to protect herself and her children, stepping away from the cartel world completely. Today, she lives a private life far from media attention, keeping her whereabouts and personal life a complete mystery. Her decision shows strength and determination to leave the past behind.
María Elvira Murillo Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | María Elvira Murillo |
| Known For | Former wife of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Former Spouse | Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (Divorced) |
| Marriage Period | 1960s – 1980s (Approx.) |
| Children | Multiple children with Félix Gallardo |
| Husband’s Arrest | 1989 |
| Divorce | After husband’s arrest (Late 1980s / Early 1990s) |
| Current Status | Living privately, away from public attention |
| Current Location | Unknown (Maintains strict privacy) |
| Public Appearances | None in recent decades |
| Social Media | Not active / No known accounts |
Who Is María Elvira Murillo?
María Elvira Murillo is best known as the former wife of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, the infamous Mexican drug lord nicknamed “El Padrino” or The Godfather. She married him before he became a major cartel figure, and her life became intertwined with one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal operations. Despite the dangers surrounding her, she maintained a focus on her family and household.
During her marriage, María Elvira witnessed her husband’s rise from a humble police officer in Sinaloa to the founder of the Guadalajara Cartel. She observed the inner workings of the cartel world while ensuring her children grew up with as much normalcy as possible. Her life has been dramatized in media, but the real María Elvira chose to remain largely invisible.
After Félix Gallardo’s arrest in 1989, María Elvira divorced him and disappeared from public life. She avoided interviews, media attention, and any connection to her past life. Today, she lives privately, with almost no information available about her current whereabouts, proving her ability to maintain a life away from the spotlight.
María Elvira Murillo and Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo’s Marriage
María Elvira Murillo married Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo in the 1960s, long before he became a criminal mastermind. At the time, he worked as a police officer in Sinaloa, and the couple shared humble beginnings. Over the years, their family grew with several children, and María Elvira focused on raising them while managing the household.
As Félix Gallardo entered the drug trade and eventually formed the Guadalajara Cartel, their lifestyle changed dramatically. The family experienced wealth, status, and the constant dangers associated with cartel life. María Elvira lived through both the luxuries and perils of being married to a cartel boss, providing a stable home environment despite the chaos surrounding her.
Their marriage lasted through the 1980s, but it ended after Félix Gallardo’s 1989 arrest following the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena. María Elvira chose to divorce him to protect herself and her children from the criminal legacy and media scrutiny, stepping away from the public eye entirely.
What María Elvira Murillo Did for a Living
Very little is known about María Elvira Murillo’s professional life, as she primarily focused on being a homemaker during her marriage. Her main responsibilities were raising the children and maintaining the household while Félix Gallardo built his criminal empire. Her life revolved around family and domestic management rather than business or criminal operations.
During her time as a cartel wife, María Elvira enjoyed access to wealth and luxury generated by her husband’s operations. She lived in lavish homes and wore fine clothing, but she did not actively participate in the cartel’s illegal activities. Her lifestyle was supported entirely by the cartel’s resources, allowing her to focus on her family.
After divorcing Félix Gallardo, her professional life remains unknown. There are no public records of her employment or business ventures. Reports suggest she now lives a modest life, far from the previous wealth and chaos, maintaining total privacy regarding her work or sources of income.
María Elvira Murillo Now
María Elvira Murillo has remained completely out of the public eye for decades. After divorcing Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, she chose a quiet, private life, far from the cartel world and media attention.
Her current location and daily life are unknown. Some speculate she may still live in Mexico, while others believe she could have relocated abroad to maintain anonymity. Whatever the case, she continues to protect her privacy.
María Elvira Murillo Actress
In the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico, María Elvira Murillo is portrayed by actress Fernanda Urrejola. The show dramatizes her life as the wife of Félix Gallardo and the challenges she faced during the cartel’s rise.
The series emphasizes her struggle between family loyalty and the dangerous realities of the criminal world. While dramatized, it gives viewers a glimpse of her role and influence in the household.
Maria Elvira Murillo Wikipedia
María Elvira Murillo has a limited presence on Wikipedia. Most information focuses on her marriage to Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, her role as a mother, and her life after his arrest.
Her private life and current activities remain largely undocumented. The Wikipedia pages typically highlight her historical connection to the Guadalajara Cartel and her portrayal in Narcos: Mexico.
María Elvira Murillo Father
Very little is publicly known about María Elvira Murillo’s father. She has kept her family background largely private, avoiding interviews and media exposure for decades.
Her father’s identity and role in her life remain unknown to the public. This lack of information is consistent with her overall effort to maintain a life away from attention.
María Elvira Murillo Instagram
María Elvira Murillo does not have a verified Instagram account. She has avoided social media entirely, prioritizing privacy and security over public presence.
There may be fake accounts claiming to be her, but these should not be trusted. María Elvira’s commitment to anonymity suggests she will not appear on Instagram in the future.
Abril Félix Murillo
Abril Félix Murillo is believed to be one of María Elvira’s children with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. Like her mother, she maintains a private life away from the media and public scrutiny.
Details about her life, career, or social presence are not publicly available. The family has intentionally stayed out of the spotlight to avoid connection with their father’s notorious legacy.
Her Role in the Cartel World
María Elvira Murillo’s role in the Guadalajara Cartel appears to have been minimal and primarily domestic. Unlike some other cartel wives, she did not engage in criminal operations or business dealings. Her contribution was largely in providing stability at home, raising children, and offering a semblance of normalcy to the family.
She was, however, aware of the activities of the cartel. She attended social gatherings with other cartel families and witnessed her husband’s rise to power. Despite this exposure, there is no evidence that she took part in planning or executing any illegal operations, which likely helped her avoid legal troubles after their divorce.
Law enforcement never charged María Elvira with any cartel-related crimes. Her distance from Félix Gallardo’s criminal work suggests she deliberately kept herself uninvolved. Her ability to leave the cartel world unscathed shows careful discretion and a strong focus on protecting herself and her children.
María Elvira Murillo in Narcos, Mexico
María Elvira Murillo is depicted in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico, where actress Fernanda Urrejola portrays her character. The show dramatizes the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and Félix Gallardo’s story, giving viewers a glimpse into María Elvira’s personal life and the challenges of being a cartel wife.
In the series, her character struggles with fear, secrecy, and moral dilemmas as she witnesses her husband’s illegal operations. She is shown balancing her role as a devoted wife and mother while confronting the harsh realities of the cartel world. This dramatization emphasizes the emotional and ethical complexities of her life.
It’s important to note that Narcos: Mexico takes creative liberties. While the show provides entertainment, the real María Elvira Murillo likely experienced events differently. Her actual life remains largely private, and she has avoided media exposure for decades, maintaining anonymity far from the cartel spotlight.
Did María Elvira Murillo Have Children?
Yes, María Elvira Murillo had multiple children with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. While the exact number of children varies in different sources, it is widely reported that they had several sons and daughters together during their marriage. Her children grew up surrounded by both wealth and danger due to their father’s criminal activities.
Raising children in the shadow of a powerful cartel was not easy. María Elvira worked to provide as normal a childhood as possible, ensuring they received good education and lived in safe, comfortable homes. Despite the family’s luxurious lifestyle, they were constantly exposed to secrecy, threats, and the risks associated with their father’s criminal empire.
After Félix Gallardo’s arrest in 1989, protecting her children became María Elvira’s top priority. She divorced him to shield them from public scrutiny and legal consequences. Today, her children lead private lives away from the media, largely maintaining the anonymity their mother worked hard to preserve.
Why Did María Elvira Murillo Leave Miguel Félix Gallardo?
María Elvira Murillo left Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo following his arrest in April 1989. His capture marked the downfall of the Guadalajara Cartel and exposed the dangers associated with being tied to him. Remaining married to a convicted drug lord could have jeopardized her safety and that of their children.
Living as the wife of a cartel boss for decades had taken a toll on her life. She endured constant stress, fear, and uncertainty about the safety of her family. By divorcing him, she gained the opportunity to step away from a life of violence and criminal exposure.
Her decision also reflected a desire to protect her children from their father’s criminal legacy. Leaving the marriage allowed her to create a new, independent identity while keeping her family safe. It was a choice motivated by both self-preservation and maternal responsibility.
What Happened to María Elvira Murillo After the Divorce?
After her divorce, María Elvira Murillo completely disappeared from public life. She made a deliberate choice to avoid interviews, media attention, and any connection to her past as a cartel wife. Unlike others in similar situations, she did not write books or give statements about her life with Félix Gallardo.
She reportedly changed her lifestyle significantly, trading the wealth and luxury of her past for a more modest, quiet life. She focused on raising her children and maintaining her privacy. By stepping away from public view, she successfully distanced herself from her husband’s criminal legacy.
María Elvira avoided legal troubles entirely after the divorce. Authorities never implicated her in any cartel activities, which allowed her to live freely without fear of prosecution. Over the decades, she has maintained strict anonymity, and her life remains largely unknown to the public.
Where Is María Elvira Murillo Now?
The current whereabouts of María Elvira Murillo remain a mystery. She has successfully kept her location private for more than three decades, avoiding media, public appearances, and any form of public exposure. No verified reports or sightings have surfaced in recent years.
Some sources speculate she may still live in Mexico, possibly in Sinaloa or another region, while others suggest she might have relocated abroad to maintain complete anonymity. Without confirmation from reliable sources, her location is purely speculative.
Whatever her current life entails, it is believed to be simple and private. María Elvira likely avoids anything that could connect her to Félix Gallardo or the cartel world. Her disappearance from public life demonstrates her commitment to safety, privacy, and her family’s well-being.
Is María Elvira Murillo on Instagram or Facebook?
No, María Elvira Murillo does not have any verified social media presence. She has deliberately avoided platforms like Instagram or Facebook to maintain her privacy and anonymity. Given her background and cautious lifestyle, it is highly unlikely she would participate in social media.
There are, however, fake accounts claiming to be her on various platforms. These profiles are almost certainly created by fans or individuals seeking attention and should not be trusted. María Elvira has never publicly confirmed any online presence.
Her generation and personal history also make social media unlikely. By staying offline, she avoids unwanted attention, harassment, and connections to her notorious past, which aligns with her decades-long effort to live a private, secure life.
What Is María Elvira Murillo’s Net Worth?
María Elvira Murillo’s current net worth is unknown. She has kept her finances completely private, and there are no verified sources detailing her wealth. Any figures circulating online are speculative and unconfirmed.
During her marriage to Félix Gallardo, she had access to enormous wealth, including luxurious homes, jewelry, and material comforts. The Guadalajara Cartel generated hundreds of millions of dollars in the 1980s, providing her family with a lavish lifestyle.
After her divorce, much of that wealth likely disappeared due to government seizures and the loss of her husband’s income. Today, she is believed to live a modest life, and her financial situation remains one of many mysteries surrounding her private existence.
María Elvira’s Husband, Miguel, is a Notorious Drug Lord
Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, María Elvira’s ex-husband, is one of the most infamous figures in Mexican drug trafficking history. Nicknamed “El Padrino” (The Godfather), he founded the Guadalajara Cartel, which became a dominant force in cocaine and marijuana trafficking during the 1980s.
He started his career as a police officer in Sinaloa and later became a bodyguard for a state governor. Félix Gallardo used his intelligence, strategic planning, and ruthlessness to build one of Mexico’s first major cartels, controlling drug routes between Mexico and the United States.
His criminal empire eventually collapsed following the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena. Arrested in 1989, he was sentenced to decades in prison, but his influence shaped the Mexican drug trade for years. His legacy is central to understanding María Elvira’s past life and the risks she faced.
Who is Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo?
Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo was born on January 8, 1946, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. He rose from humble beginnings to become a former police officer and eventually the founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, a major criminal organization that pioneered modern drug trafficking routes.
Known as “El Padrino,” he maintained control through a combination of intelligence, corruption, and violence. He organized the cartel’s operations efficiently, bribing officials and managing alliances with Colombian drug traffickers, creating one of the most powerful networks in Mexican history.
Even after his arrest in 1989, Félix Gallardo’s influence persisted. His capture led to the fragmentation of the Guadalajara Cartel, giving rise to other major cartels such as the Sinaloa and Tijuana Cartels. Today, he remains imprisoned but continues to be a symbol of Mexico’s drug trade history.
Who is Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo’s Wife?
Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo’s former wife was María Elvira Murillo, whom he married in the 1960s. She stood by him through his early career and the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel, managing the household and raising their children during his criminal ascent.
Their marriage lasted over two decades, but it ended after Félix Gallardo’s 1989 arrest. María Elvira divorced him to protect herself and her children from the dangerous legacy of the cartel world. She has not remarried publicly since.
Unlike some other cartel wives, María Elvira kept a low profile, avoiding involvement in criminal operations. Her focus remained on family and privacy, allowing her to successfully live a life away from the public eye for decades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Disease Did Felix Gallardo Have?
Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo has faced several health issues while in prison, though details are limited. Reports suggest he suffers from age-related ailments, including mobility problems and other chronic conditions common for someone in their late 70s.
Where Is Miguel Caro Quintero Now?
Miguel Caro Quintero, brother of Rafael Caro Quintero, is believed to remain active in Mexico, though his exact whereabouts are often unconfirmed. Law enforcement closely monitors him due to his connections with drug trafficking activities.
Who Is Felix’s Third Wife in Narcos?
In Narcos: Mexico, Félix Gallardo’s third wife is portrayed as a fictionalized character to dramatize his personal life. The show blends real-life events with creative storytelling, so her identity may not fully reflect reality.
Who Is the Real Maria Salazar in Narcos?
Maria Salazar in Narcos: Mexico is a dramatized character inspired by women involved in cartel families. While the series depicts her interactions with Félix Gallardo, the real-life counterpart may differ significantly and her actual identity is not publicly confirmed.
Where Is María Elvira Murillo Today?
María Elvira Murillo has lived in strict privacy for decades. Her exact location is unknown, but she is believed to be living a quiet, modest life away from Mexico’s media and cartel world. Some speculate she could reside in Mexico or abroad under a new identity.
Is María Elvira Murillo Still Alive?
Yes, María Elvira Murillo is believed to be alive. However, there are no recent public appearances or confirmed reports about her health or activities, as she has intentionally stayed out of the public eye.
What Happened to Félix Gallardo’s Wife?
After Félix Gallardo’s arrest in 1989, María Elvira Murillo divorced him. She chose to step away from the cartel lifestyle, protect her children, and live a private life far from media attention and criminal exposure.
Did María Elvira Murillo Remarry?
There is no public record or confirmation that María Elvira Murillo remarried after her divorce from Félix Gallardo. She has maintained a life of strict privacy, avoiding interviews and public exposure.
How Many Kids Did María Elvira Murillo Have?
María Elvira Murillo had multiple children with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. Exact numbers vary across sources, but it is confirmed she raised several sons and daughters during their marriage.
Is María Elvira Murillo on Social Media?
No, María Elvira Murillo does not have any verified social media accounts. She has avoided platforms like Instagram or Facebook to maintain her privacy and protect her family from public scrutiny.
Conclusion
María Elvira Murillo’s life shows how someone can leave a dangerous past behind and build a peaceful, private future. She walked away from wealth, power, and danger to protect her children and herself. Her story reminds us of the strength it takes to start over.
Today, María Elvira remains a symbol of discretion and survival. She avoids media, social platforms, and public attention entirely. Her ability to stay hidden for decades highlights her determination to live a normal life far from her former husband’s criminal world.
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