El Mayo Caro Quintero no death penalty.

U.S. prosecutors won’t seek the death penalty in their cases against Mexican drug lords Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Rafael Caro Quintero. Prosecutors disclosed their decision in brief letters to judges on Tuesday. Caro Quintero and Zambada have pleaded not guilty to an array of drug trafficking charges. It is unclear whether taking the death penalty off the table signals any possibility of a plea deal with either or both men. Prosecutors declined to comment. The men’s lawyers welcomed the decision but were circumspect about what happens next. The prosecutions are separate, but they similarly target two of Mexico’s most notorious narcos.