In the captivating world of crime and intrigue, Netflix’s biographical crime thriller, “Griselda,” brings to life the tumultuous journey of Griselda Blanco, the infamous godmother of the Colombian drug mafia.
At the heart of this story is Carmen Gutierrez, a character who starts as a friend but eventually turns against the central figure of Griselda Blanco. Now, everyone wants to know- what happened to her in the end?
Also, did Pablo Escobar know who Griselda was?
In the Netflix series “Griselda,” Carmen Gutierrez initially welcomes Griselda Blanco to Miami and aids her in drug trafficking. However, their partnership takes a tumultuous turn as Carmen assists the DEA, ultimately betraying Griselda. Pablo Escobar knew about Griselda. They possibly met in the early 1970s, and while they may have started as acquaintances, they eventually competed as their ambitions grew.
What Was Carmen’s Fate in Griselda?
In the plot of the Netflix series “Griselda,” Carmen Gutierrez initially welcomes Griselda Blanco to Miami, Florida, and provides her with accommodation.
However, as she uncovers Griselda’s true intentions, including her involvement in her husband’s murder and the drug trade, Carmen decides to part ways.
But fate has other plans, as Carmen eventually rejoins Griselda in her burgeoning drug empire.
She assists in facilitating the movement of drug traffickers in and out of the country by providing flight tickets and offering a safe house for storing illicit materials.
However, their criminal ways inevitably draw the attention of the DEA and law enforcement, with Carmen’s stash house becoming a focal point of investigation.
Simultaneously, Griselda begins to suspect Carmen of betrayal and contemplates eliminating her.
A significant turning point occurs when Carmen chooses to side with the DEA, leading to a genuine betrayal that will shape the course of the drug cartel’s downfall.
Carmen Gutierrez emerges as a crucial witness in the DEA’s relentless pursuit of the notorious godmother of the drug trade.
The series creators have acknowledged that they have taken creative liberties with the presentation and storyline. So, there was no Carmen Gutierrez in Griselda Blanco’s real life.
Elaine Carey’s book, “Women Drug Traffickers: Mules, Bosses and Organized Crime,” sheds light on Gloria and Carmen, two sisters who worked with Griselda as traffickers.
Initially, Gloria Caban collaborated with Griselda in New York City, followed by her sister, Carmen Caban, who managed a stash house. Both sisters later became key witnesses for the DEA.
The series might have also drawn inspiration from individuals like Maria Gutierrez, who served as Blanco’s travel agent, booking tickets for drug lords and eventually joining the DEA to testify against her.
Did Pablo Escobar Know About Griselda?
Netflix’s biographical series ‘Griselda’ kicks off with a provocative quote attributed to Pablo Escobar: “The only man I was ever afraid of was a woman named Griselda Blanco.”
While the authenticity of this quote remains uncertain, it hints at the intrigue surrounding their relationship.
First and foremost, it’s evident that Pablo Escobar was aware of Griselda Blanco. In fact, the Escobar brothers drew inspiration from Griselda’s achievements as a drug trafficker.
In Roberto Escobar’s book ‘The Accountant’s Story: Inside the Violent World of the Medellin Cartel,’ Pablo’s brother acknowledged Griselda’s prominence. He stated:
“There was no such thing then as a drug cartel. Instead, there were just some people who were bigger in the business. One of the most successful and most ruthless was a woman from Medellín that everybody knew about named Griselda Blanco.”
Hugo Clark, author of ‘The Black Widow: The Life and Crimes of Griselda Blanco, America’s First Billionaire Drug Smuggler,’ provides further insights into their relationship.
Clark identifies Escobar as Griselda’s “successor,” “one-time friend,” and “apprentice.”
He asserts that they likely crossed paths in the early 1970s, before Escobar’s ascent to infamy. During this time, Griselda was already a highly successful drug trafficker in New York.
Clark delves into the rumors surrounding their connection, suggesting that Griselda might have introduced Escobar to the cocaine trade, served as his mentor and close friend, and even hosted him at her extravagant Miami Beach parties.
However, conflicting accounts propose that they became bitter rivals, each leading their own crews.
Adding another layer of complexity, there are rumors of a romantic relationship between Griselda and Escobar.
In the late 1970s, Griselda held the title of the ‘boss of bosses,’ while Pablo was still a burgeoning figure seeking to expand his influence. Their evolving dynamics likely contributed to the intrigue surrounding their connection.
Griselda is currently streaming on Netflix.
How do you feel about blending fact and fiction in crime dramas like “Griselda”? Does it enhance the storytelling or create confusion?
Do you think the mystery surrounding Pablo and Griselda’s connection enhances or detracts from the narratives surrounding these notorious figures in the drug trade?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
