Francisco Rafael Arellano Félix...Clowns shot him!

The oldest Arellano Félix brother, Francisco Rafael, killed near Cabo San Lucas on Friday, October 18, was reportedly shot by a hitman dressed as a clown.

The assassination of the 63-year-old took place during a private party in which the clown was believed to have been entertaining children. Reports of the precise location have been conflicting and police believe more gunmen may have been involved.

Francisco Rafael is the eldest of seven Arellano Félix brothers who at one time ran one of the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico. Francisco Rafael was arrested in Mexico in 1993 and later extradited to the United States in 2006. After two years he was set free and returned to Mexico.

During Francisco Rafael’s imprisonment, his brothers relinquished power of the cartel due to arrests and death. Two brothers and a number of family members were never apprehended. A sister and nephew are now believed to be running the remnants of the Arellano Félix organization.

Because of Francisco Rafael’s lack of direct involvement in the cartel after being imprisoned, authorities are not expecting a major increase in violence due to the murder. Analysts believe the murder is more likely to be connected to past involvements, versus current criminal organization dealings.