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1. Pablo Escobar Criminal Case
Oral Exam 1A - Questions & Answers

2. 1. What is the name of the crime
or criminal case you are
researching?
• The criminal case of Pablo Escobar, leader of the Medellín Cartel.

3. 2. Briefly describe the crime or
criminal case.
• Escobar led the Medellín Cartel in Colombia, smuggling cocaine and
causing mass violence from the 1970s to 1993.

4. 3. Who were the key individuals
involved in this case?
• Pablo Escobar, Gustavo Gaviria, DEA agents (Steve Murphy, Javier Peña),
and Colombian law enforcement.

5. 4. What were the main events that
occurred in the case?
• Rise in the 70s, political assassinations, surrender in 1991, escape in 1992,
death in 1993.

6. 5. What evidence was collected
during the investigation?
• Surveillance, testimonies, financial records, seized drugs and weapons.

7. 6. Was there a primary suspect?
Allegations?
• Yes, Escobar. He was accused of drug trafficking, murder, terrorism, and
money laundering.

8. 7. Was the crime solved or is it still
unsolved?
• Escobar was killed in 1993. The cartel was dismantled but drug networks
continue.

9. 8. What challenges did law
enforcement face?
• Violence, corruption, fear, media interference, international scope.

10. 9. Any legal or procedural issues?
• Controversial deals, extradition battles, Escobar’s self-built prison.

11. 10. What role did the media play?
• Shaped Escobar’s image and influenced public opinion and investigations.

12. 11. How did the case influence
policy or law?
• Led to stronger drug laws, international cooperation, and constitutional
changes.

13. 12. Theories or speculations?
• Beliefs about suicide, political ties, hidden money, or staged death.

14. 13. Impact on community/society?
• Widespread fear, trauma, and reform. New cartels later emerged.

15. 14. Recent updates or
developments?
• Discovery of hidden properties, new documentaries and testimonies.

16. 15. Lessons from the case?
• Need for strong institutions, global cooperation, and avoiding deals with
criminals.