In the world of crime and legacy, it’s not easy to be born with a name like Caro Quintero. But Roxana Elizabeth Caro Elenes, born on January 17, 1978, is a woman who chose to live her life differently—not in the shadow of power, but in quiet resistance.
She is the only daughter of Rafael Caro Quintero, one of Mexico’s most infamous drug lords and a founder of the powerful Guadalajara Cartel. Her father’s name is linked to the violent drug wars of the 1980s and especially to the murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena—a crime.
That brought global attention to the Mexican drug underworld. But this is not her father’s story. This is the story of a criminal’s daughter.
A Childhood in the Storm
Roxana grew up in Culiacán, Sinaloa, surrounded by wealth, security, and silence. Her family had money, businesses, and power—but also danger. Her father was arrested when she was still young, and the family’s life became more complicated after that. With her three brothers—Héctor Rafael, Henoch Emilio, and Mario Yi Bran—Roxana lived through a mix of luxury and fear.
Their mother, María Elizabeth Elenes Lerma, tried to protect the family, managing businesses and maintaining a low profile. She was known for being strong and smart—and Roxana seems to have inherited both.
Trying to Build a Normal Life
Roxana didn’t go into the drug world. Instead, she went to school, studied marketing, and earned a degree from a top Mexican university—reportedly ITESM (Tecnológico de Monterrey), one of the most respected schools in the country.
She began working with her mother in hospitality and fashion businesses—hotels, spas, and boutiques in Guadalajara and Jalisco. But even that came under fire.
In 2013, the U.S. Treasury added Roxana, her mother, and her brothers to the OFAC sanctions list, accusing them of helping to launder drug money through legal businesses. Their accounts were frozen, their companies blacklisted, and they were blocked from doing international business.
For 12 years, Roxana lived under that weight—unable to access certain resources, under constant suspicion, and always connected in the public eye to her father’s name.
A Life Outside the Headlines
But Roxana never made headlines like her father. She didn’t appear in interviews or at public events. She didn’t post on social media or try to defend herself online. She chose silence—and peace.
She married Jes Briseno Gómez Espana, and they had two children. She joined local equestrian clubs, especially the Guadalajara Jockey Club, and even participated in horse-riding events. Her brother Héctor, also a professional rider, had competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
While her family’s past was filled with headlines, Roxana built a much quieter future.
Sanctions Lifted: A New Chapter
In April 2025, something major happened—the U.S. government removed all sanctions against Roxana, her siblings, and her mother. This meant they were no longer considered involved in criminal activity and could once again manage their businesses and finances freely.
For Roxana, it was more than just a legal victory. It was a chance to finally step out from under a name she didn’t choose—and to live her life as she wanted, not as others expected.
Who Is She Today?
Today, Roxana Elizabeth Caro Elenes is in her late 40s. She’s a businesswoman, a mother, and a private citizen. She doesn’t give interviews, and she keeps her life away from the media. There are no scandals, no arrests, no rumors—just a woman who seems to value her peace.
It’s not easy to be born into a world of crime and still find your own path. But Roxana has managed to do it—slowly, quietly, and with strength.
A Different Kind of Legacy
Her story shows that while you cannot choose your family, you can choose the life you want to live. Many people believe that if you’re born into crime, you can never escape it. Roxana’s life challenges that idea. She didn’t try to be famous, powerful, or feared. She didn’t run to the media to explain herself. She simply lived—and waited for time to clear her name.