Who Is “El Pirata de Culiacán”? The Explosive Rise and Tragic End of the Influencer Linked to ‘El Mencho’

Who Is “El Pirata de Culiacán”?

Influencer marked by violence

The video that sparked threats

The name of Juan Luis Lagunas Rosales has once again dominated online conversations following the confirmation of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”

The renewed attention revived one of the most talked-about cases illustrating the collision between viral fame and organized crime.

Lagunas, widely known as “El Pirata de Culiacán,” became a phenomenon that Mexico has not forgotten.

The El Pirata de Culiacán story has once again raised questions about the limits of social media fame and the dangers some young creators face when exposing themselves online.

The Rise of El Pirata de Culiacán Amid Excess and Iconic Phrases

El Pirata de Culiacán Story: Tragic End of the Influencer Linked to ‘El Mencho’ –

Juan Luis Lagunas Rosales was born in Sinaloa and, while still a teenager, found in digital platforms a space that amplified his image.

Between 2016 and 2017, he gained recognition for posting videos at parties, surrounded by alcohol and repeating phrases that quickly became trending catchphrases.

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His uninhibited style helped him accumulate thousands of followers who celebrated every clip he uploaded to Facebook or YouTube.

His presence began to be requested at bars and nightlife events, where his persona attracted admirers and generated buzz.

The Video That Changed El Pirata de Culiacán’s Fate and Put Him in the Crosshairs

Public attention escalated when a video circulated in which he directly insulted the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación.

The recording sparked concern because it explicitly mentioned one of the most wanted men in the country.

At the time, users warned that the young influencer may not have understood the seriousness of his words, despite attempting to appear defiant.

The clip spread rapidly and triggered alarms across social media due to the risk it posed to him—marking a turning point in the El Pirata de Culiacán story.

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Una publicación compartida por Noticias NRT (@noticiasnrt)

The Night of the Shooting That Shocked Mexico

On December 18, 2017, Lagunas arrived at a bar in Zapopan without imagining it would be his final public appearance.

Authorities reported that an armed group entered the establishment and opened fire directly at him.

The attack, which also left others injured, ended the life of the 17-year-old within seconds.

The news shook public opinion and marked one of the harshest episodes highlighting the relationship between social media and organized crime.

@radio_formula

Pirata de Culiacán: esta es la razón por la que la gente lo recuerda tras el abatimiento de «El Mencho», líder del CJNG. #Tiktokmehizo #tiktokinforma #PirataDeCuliacán #Jalisco

♬ sonido original – Radio Fórmula – Radio Fórmula

A Case That Continues to Raise Alarms in the Digital Era

The death of “El Pirata de Culiacán” sparked a nationwide debate about responsibility and the risks faced by content creators.

His story remains an example of the impact words can have when they intersect with violent contexts.

The recent killing of Oseguera reignited conversation about that episode, which remains etched in the collective memory.

The El Pirata de Culiacán story serves as a reminder that popularity—no matter how massive—does not offer protection against the realities of organized crime.