Jenni Rivera's family 'DISGUSTED that pictures of singer's mangled body parts were leaked to media by first responders'
- Company that owns the jet under investigation by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
- Aircraft is linked to Mexican businessman Christian Esqino Nunez, who was convicted in 2006 of falsifying plane records
- Two planes seized this year
- According to a report, Nunez also has ties with a drug cartel in Tijuana
By Daily Mail Reporter
Published: | Updated:
The family of music star Jenni Rivera are said to be disgusted over the gruesome video leaked on the internet which shows parts of her bloodied dismembered body strewn amongst the wreckage.
The Mexican singer's family want the people responsible to be brought to justice after the leaked footage - which shows a severed foot with painted toenails - spread like wildfire across the internet.
Two Mexican police officers were arrested yesterday for looting from the wreckage site. One of these officers is thought to have sold the images to the media.
Though the video was not confirmed as being authentic, the Rivera family said they believe it is due to the items in the video and images of the mangled body parts.
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Crash: Rivera's plane crashed on December 9 after she had performed in Monterrey, Mexico
Large personality: Rivera, 43, seen here in Los Angeles in March, was very popular among Latin music fans
Loved ones: Rivera's family gathered outside of her parents' home near Long Beach, California, on Wednesday night for a press conference
It also emerged the company that owns the luxury jet she was traveling in is under investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the agency seized two of its planes earlier this year as part of the ongoing probe.
DEA spokeswoman Lisa Webb Johnson confirmed on Thursday the planes owned by Las Vegas-based Starwood Management were seized in Texas and Arizona.
The agency also has subpoenaed all the company's records, including any correspondence it has had with a former Tijuana mayor who U.S. law enforcement officials have long suspected has ties to organized crime.
Sources close to the Riveras told TMZ the family is appalled that anyone would even think about leaking something like that, especially if it was a first responder.
'We're told the severed foot was the most painful part to watch because Jenni was very particular about her feet and toes,' the source said.
The officers were caught after images of the crash site were found on one of the arrested officers' cell phones.
The extremely graphic photos depicted body parts and personal documents belonging to those aboard the doomed flight, including Rivera, 43, a singer and reality star known as the 'Queen of Banda.'
The Spanish news agency EFE identified the arrested officers as Luis Antonio Ávila Moreno, 23 and Mario Alberto García Pacheco, 24.
The items that the duo allegedly stole from the plane were not identified by investigators.
As the issue of police corruption rears its ugly head, Mexican authorities hope to continue with the investigation of the tragic crash on Sunday.
A person speaking on behalf of the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles told TMZ: 'We have over 2,000,000 police officers [in Mexico], and unfortunately some of these officers have been corrupt in the past, but we cannot generalize that the whole force is corrupt.'
The rep added: 'Mexico has been working very hard to make their citizens and tourists safe, however it is not fair to judge the whole tree based upon a few bad apples.'
Wreckage: The plane carrying the superstar plunged from more than 28,000 feet and hit the ground in a nose-dive at more than 600 miles an hour
The body of the singer and reality star from California was found in the wreckage along with the bodies of six others, including her publicist, lawyer, make-up artist and two pilots.
News of the arrests came as Rivera's family identified her remains.
Nuevo Leon state security spokesman Jorge Domene said DNA tests are still pending. The singer's remains will be given to the family once the tests are completed in coming days.
It was also revealed this week that Rivera was in the final states of buying the Learjet plane from business executive Christian E. Esquino Nunez, 50, who has a long and checkered legal past.
Corporate records list his sister-in-law as the company's only officer, but insurance companies that cover some of the firm's planes say in court documents that the woman is merely a front and that Esquino is the one in charge.
Esquino's legal woes date back decades. He pleaded guilty to a fraud charge that stemmed from a major drug investigation in Florida in the early 1990s and most recently was sentenced to two years in federal prison in a California aviation fraud case.
Esquino, a Mexican citizen, was deported upon his release.
Disastrous: Rivera's body was found in the wreckage along with the bodies of six others, including her publicist, lawyer, make-up artist and two pilots
Search continues: Rescue workers are still looking for remains of Rivera and the six reported passengers
ABC News exclusively reported that Nunez could be wanted for questioning with Mexican authorities, as well as investigators with the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the fatal crash.
According to ABC News, Nunez and his partner were convicted of creating false logbooks for six aircrafts they bought from the Mexican government and sold in the U.S.
RadarOnline.comreports that Nunez also has ties to a Tijuana drug cartel, and has also been accused of trying to sneak the son of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi into Mexico.
Wanted? Christian E. Esquino Nunez, who runs the company that owned the crashed plane, could have links to a drug cartel and was convicted of falsifying records in 2006
Court records show that Nunez obtained details from aircrafts and forged details so as to mark up aircraft prices, thinking the models had fewer miles on them or had more maintenance work than they actually had.
Nunez’s current whereabouts are unknown.
The plane carrying the superstar plunged from more than 28,000 feet and hit the ground in a nose-dive at more than 600 miles an hour, Mexico's top transportation official says.
Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, Mexico's secretary of communications and transportation, said: 'The plane practically nose-dived,' he said. 'The impact must have been terrible.'
Ruiz Esparza did not offer any explanation of what may have caused the plane to plummet, saying only that 'The plane fell from an altitude of 28,000 feet ... It may have hit a speed higher than 1,000 kph (621 mph).'
Widespread: Searchers used helicopters as they looked for pieces of the wreckage and attempted to recover bodies from the mountainous area where the plane went down
Discovery: It appears that one of the pilots was inexperienced, based on the temporary airman's certificate found at the crash site
Still grieving: Jenni Rivera fans marched in the streets of Monterrey, Mexico on Tuesday night, two nights after news broke that the singer likely died in a plane crash on Sunday
Holding a light: The hundreds of fans gathered in a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe
Shocking claim: A witness account reported by Mexico's Reforma newspaper says that Jenni Rivera was involved with the notorious Beltran-Leyva drug cartel
Mangled: Jenni Rivera's charred driver's license was found near the wreckage of the plane crash
Fears: This photo of Jenni Rivera, right, taken aboard her private jet, may be the last photo taken of the singer
Tearful: Fans have kept a constant vigil in front of the Basilica of Guadalupe in Monterrey
Missing mother: Jacqueline Rivera, the daughter of the late singer, is escorted into her grandmother's home
Family: Rivera was not traveling with any relatives at the time of her death
Disaster: Rivera was headed for a suburb of Mexico City when her plane crashed
Onstage: Rivera performs at the 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami in this April 23, 2009 file photo
Wreckage: Officials say almost nothing remains of the Learjet that crashed in El Tejote locality, Nuevo Leon State, Mexico
Better times: Rivera is pictured with her third husband, former baseball pitcher Esteban Loaiza. The couple divorced in October
Rescue crew: The plane crashed at such high speed that it was torn toe pieces, leaving nothing recognizable in the wreckage
VIDEO: Family, friends and fans mourn for the singer outside her home...
VIDEO: Jenni Rivera's father sings a song to the late singer
FAQs
What was the cause of Jenni Rivera's plane crash? ›
The real story of Jenni Rivera's Plane Crash
According to Mexico's General Civil Aviation Administration, there could be a sudden loss of control due to a faulty horizontal stabilizer while the Learjet 25 was ascending. The investigation noted that the Starwood Management LLC aircraft was manufactured in 1969.
On December 9, 2012, Mexican banda superstar Dolores Janney “Jenni” Rivera Saavedra shocked millions when she tragically died in a plane crash.
What happened to Jenni Rivera's house? ›You see what happened is that after Jenni Rivera's tragic death in a 2012 plane crash, her estate sold her former mansion to the 98 Degrees singer and his wife Vanessa Minnillo in 2016. Now, it appears that Nick and Vanessa are ready to move on and are quietly selling the mansion.
How many people died in Jenni Rivera's plane? ›But shortly after takeoff, the aircraft suddenly plummeted toward the Earth, plunging almost vertically and reaching speeds of over 600 miles per hour before it crashed. All seven people on the plane died, including the Mexican American star Jenni Rivera.
Who was on the plane with Jenni Rivera when it crashed? ›Killed in the crash alongside Rivera were her publicist, Arturo Rivera; makeup artist Jacobo Yebale; hairstylist Jorge Armando Sanchez Vasquez; and Mario Macias Pacheco, her attorney.
Who owns Jenni Rivera's house now? ›98 Degrees crooner Nick Lachey and his wife, former Wipeout host Vanessa Minnillo Lachey, have new digs! The couple's new piece of Encino, CA, real estate is the nearly 10,000-square-foot home that formerly belonged to beloved Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera, who died in a plane crash in 2012.
How old was Jenni Rivera when she had chiquis? ›Jenni's middle name, Janney was named after her paternal cousin, Janney. Jenni is often referred to as La Diva de la Banda. Jenni was 15 when she married Trino & when she gave birth to Chiquis. Jenni was 20 when she gave birth to Jacqie.
When was Jenni Rivera's last concert? ›Mexican singer Jenni Rivera sings during her last concert at the Arena Monterrey on December 08, 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico. Hours after the show the... Mexican singer Jenni Rivera sings during her last concert at the Arena Monterrey on December 08, 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico.
What was Jenni Rivera last song? ›"Aparentemente Bien" becomes a posthumous hit for Jenni Rivera.
How much money does chiquis Rivera make? ›
...
Chiquis Rivera Net Worth.
| Net Worth: | $3 Million |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth: | Jun 26, 1985 (37 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Los Angeles, California, U.S |
It has been revealed that the former 98 Degrees singer and his wife, TV host Vanessa Minnillo are the new homeowners of Rivera's former mansion located on four acres of hilltop land in Encino, Calif. The Rivera family finally sold their beloved home after putting the property on sale over a year ago.
Where is Jenni Rivera's grave? › What was Jenni Rivera's net worth at death? ›Jenni Rivera Net Worth: Jenni Rivera was a Mexican-American Latin singer/songwriter, actress, television producer and entrepreneur who had a net worth of $25 million at the time of her death.
What song made Jenni Rivera famous? ›While Rivera's marriage sank, her music soared. She signed with the label Fonovisa, and this up-and-comer's first record, "Que Me Entierren con la Banda," was a hit. The Spanish-singing Rivera soon became known to a growing fan base as "La Diva de la Banda."
Did they find Jenny's body? ›Rolling Stone. The remains of Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera have been identified and turned over to her family, CNN reports. Rivera was one of seven people on a small plane that disappeared 10 minutes after taking off from Monterrey, Mexico on Sunday.
What happened to Jenni Rivera's first husband? ›What happened to Trino Marin? Trino is currently incarcerated after being convicted of sexual molestation. According to Press-Telegram, Jenni Rivera's ex-husband was sentenced to 31 years in prison after being found guilty of molesting his sister-in-law and daughter.
Who is Jacob Yebale? ›Rivera's makeup artist, Jacob Yebale, was among the seven people killed when the aircraft crashed Dec. 9 in northern Mexico.
Who owns Jenni boutique? ›...
Jenni Rivera Fashion.
| Type | Fashion Boutique |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jenni Rivera |
| Area served | Panorama City, California(physical) United States(web) |
| Key people | Jenni Rivera (CEO) [deceased] Rosie Rivera (Acting CEO) |
| Products | Music and fashion |
Nick And Vanessa Lachey Just Purchased Jenni Rivera's $4.15 Million Mansion. Former 98 Degrees boy bander, Nick Lachey, and wife Vanessa Minnillo-Lachey have just scooped up a beauty of a home. Located in Encino, Calif., the mansion was previously owned by the late Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera.
Did Nick Lachey sell his home? ›
Just in time for the holidays (and COVID vaccinations!), Nick and Vanessa Lachey have sold their showbiz pedigreed Encino, Calif., estate for not quite $6.7 million and at the same time made an off-market deal valued at just over $5 million for a smaller manse in one of the more sought after foothill neighborhoods in ...
Who kept all of Jenni Rivera's money? ›Jenni Rivera Enterprises LLC holds most of the singer's assets and is headed by her sister and trustee, Rosa Rivera Flores. Also named as defendants are three entertainment-industry businesses: Latin World Entertainment Holdings, Dhana Media, and BTF Media, and Latin World CEO Luis Balaguer.
Why did Juan divorce Jenni? ›When Juan got out of jail, the couple resumed their marriage. They went on to have two children: daughter Jenicka, and son Juan Angel, better known as Johnny Angelo. According to Jenni, the marriage wasn't what she had hoped for, and the two divorced due to his infidelity.
Where is Juan Lopez buried? ›Chiquis married Lorenzo E. Mendez Ronquillo (former vocalist of la Original Banda El Limón) in June 2019 and became stepmother to Lorenzo's daughter from his previous marriage. On September 17, 2020, Rivera announced her divorce with Méndez through social media, claiming it a decision from both parties.
How old was Jenni Rivera when she had chiquis? ›Jenni's middle name, Janney was named after her paternal cousin, Janney. Jenni is often referred to as La Diva de la Banda. Jenni was 15 when she married Trino & when she gave birth to Chiquis. Jenni was 20 when she gave birth to Jacqie.
What was Jenni Rivera last song? ›"Aparentemente Bien" becomes a posthumous hit for Jenni Rivera.
What was Jenni Rivera's last concert? ›Hours after the show the... Mexican singer Jenni Rivera sings during her last concert at the Arena Monterrey on December 08, 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Where was Jenni Rivera buried? ›Jenni Rivera, Life and Death of a Mexican American Superstar
Jenni Rivera fans are banned from visiting “La Diva de la Banda” at the All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, Calif., El Universal is reporting.
How much money does Chiquis Rivera make? ›
...
Chiquis Rivera Net Worth.
| Net Worth: | $3 Million |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth: | Jun 26, 1985 (37 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Los Angeles, California, U.S |
Jenni Rivera Enterprises LLC holds most of the singer's assets and is headed by her sister and trustee, Rosa Rivera Flores. Also named as defendants are three entertainment-industry businesses: Latin World Entertainment Holdings, Dhana Media, and BTF Media, and Latin World CEO Luis Balaguer.
What was Jenni Rivera's net worth at death? ›Jenni Rivera Net Worth: Jenni Rivera was a Mexican-American Latin singer/songwriter, actress, television producer and entrepreneur who had a net worth of $25 million at the time of her death.
How many songs did Jenni Rivera sing at her last concert? ›Rivera, one of the most popular Latin recording artists of this century, died in a December 2012 plane crash following a concert in Monterrey, Mexico. She was 43. Her family has held onto footage of her last concert — a marathon set of 47 songs — and other film of the last days of her life.
What song did Jenni Rivera dedicate to Juan Lopez? ›| La Gran Señora | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mariachi |
| Length | 44:55 |
| Language | Spanish |
| Label | Fonovisa |
Paul Walker, Jenni Rivera, and More to be Honored with a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame – NBC Los Angeles.
Did Jenni Rivera perform for cartels? ›A woman in the witness protection program named "Jennifer" confirmed that Rivera was hired to perform at private events for the cartel.
When did Jenny Rivera become famous? ›Jenni Rivera's Musical Debut
In 1999 she signed with Fonovisa, the premier label in the regional Mexican market, and continued to release albums that cemented her popularity. Rivera's first album was released in July 1995 and sold over 1.5 million copies of the same album.
She signed with the label Fonovisa, and this up-and-comer's first record, "Que Me Entierren con la Banda," was a hit. The Spanish-singing Rivera soon became known to a growing fan base as "La Diva de la Banda."
Who owns Jenni Rivera's house now? ›98 Degrees crooner Nick Lachey and his wife, former Wipeout host Vanessa Minnillo Lachey, have new digs! The couple's new piece of Encino, CA, real estate is the nearly 10,000-square-foot home that formerly belonged to beloved Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera, who died in a plane crash in 2012.