Carlos Muñoz Portal, 37, worked for Netflix as a location scout for the Narcos series. He was in the State of Mexico looking for places to shoot the fourth season of the druglord show when he tragically lost his life in Temascalapa.
Muñoz was found dead in his car early last week, but news outlets did not report the incident until Friday. Since there are no witnesses, authorities have little to no information regarding the perpetrator of the cold-blooded crime.
The 37-year-old’s body and car were found covered with bullet holes. Investigators also stated that certain signs on the car point to a pursuit taking place before the shooting. Lack of evidence, however, keeps the investigation at a standstill.
Muñoz was born in Puebla and studied communications at Universidad de las Americas. He had previously worked in big films like Fast and Furious, Apocalypto, Man On Fire, and James Bond Spectre. Netflix sent out an official statement confirming the death of Muñoz and offering their condolences to the family.
“We are aware of the passing of Carlos Muñoz Portal, a well-respected location scout, and send our condolences to his family.” – Netflix
This unfortunate happening prompted a response from the brother of the late Pablo Escobar. Roberto Escobar, 71, spent a decade in prison after his brother’s death, getting out in 2003 and founding his company Escobar Inc. in 2014.
He claims Netflix violated the rights to his and his brother’s image, allegedly asking the company to pay Escobar Inc. a sum of one hundred million dollars. Roberto Escobar threatened the production house with shutting down their show if they don’t pay.
The former member of the Medellin Cartel assures his lawyers are currently in talks with Netflix for terms of the payout. He also advised Netflix to hire hitmen for location scouts going to dangerous places like Colombia or Mexico.
“I don’t want Netflix or any other film production company to film any movies in Medellin or Colombia that relate to me or my brother Pablo without authorization from Escobar Inc. It is very dangerous. Especially without our blessing. This is my country. Netflix should provide hitmen to their people as security.”
Despite Pablo Escobar’s character being absent from the show after the season two finale, Roberto says he does not appreciate Netflix using his brother’s name without his permission. The fourth season of Narcos focuses on the Juarez Cartel and their leader, Amado Carrillo, better known as El Señor De Los Cielos.