Gabriela Rico's Cannibalism Claims Revived by Epstein Files

Elena Vargas

Feb 03, 2026 • 4 min read

A distressed young woman speaking animatedly outside a luxury hotel in Monterrey, Mexico, during a public incident in 2009.

Gabriela Rico's Cannibalism Claims Revived by Epstein Files

In a twist that blends old scandals with fresh revelations, the recent unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein documents has thrust a long-forgotten 2009 incident back into the spotlight. Gabriela Rico Jiménez, a 21-year-old Mexican woman, captured global attention during a public breakdown outside a luxury hotel in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Her frantic accusations of murder and cannibalism among Mexico's elite have resurfaced, fueled by Epstein's shadowy network of high-profile connections. As social media buzzes with speculation, questions about Rico's fate and the veracity of her claims linger like an unsolved mystery.

The 2009 Monterrey Meltdown: A Viral Sensation

It was August 2009 when Gabriela Rico's life unraveled in front of cameras and security guards at a high-end Monterrey hotel. Visibly distressed, with disheveled hair and erratic movements, the young woman screamed for her "freedom" while unleashing a torrent of explosive allegations. Video footage from the scene, which went viral at the time and has recirculated millions of times since, shows Rico pointing fingers at some of Mexico's most powerful figures.

Central to her outburst was Carlos Slim Domit, son of telecom mogul Carlos Slim, whom she accused of hiding evidence of murders. Rico also referenced the late Juan Camilo Mouriño Terrazo, Mexico's former Secretary of the Interior, who perished in a 2008 plane crash. "Mouriño didn't deserve to die like that," she cried, implying foul play. But the most shocking claim came next: Rico alleged that these elites were part of a criminal ring involved in cannibalism. "They ate humans! Disgusting, they ate humans! I knew about the murders, but not that they ate humans—humans!" Her words, delivered in a mix of hysteria and horror, painted a nightmarish picture of corruption at the highest levels.

Local media outlets quickly labeled it a public scandal, attributing Rico's behavior to a mental health crisis. Police intervened, detaining her on the spot. What followed was a media blackout: No official updates on her condition or location emerged. Rico vanished from public view, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

Context of the Accusations: Ties to Mexican Power Players

Rico's ramblings weren't random; they echoed whispers of deeper intrigue in Mexico's business and political spheres. She name-dropped tycoons like Ricardo Salinas Pliego and even alluded to connections with the widow of media baron Emilio Azcárraga. At the time, these figures dominated headlines for their vast empires in telecom, media, and finance. Carlos Slim, in particular, was—and remains—one of the world's richest men, making any accusation against his family explosive.

Experts analyzing the video suggest Rico might have been under immense stress, possibly from personal trauma or substance influence. However, conspiracy theorists argue her breakdown exposed a hidden underbelly of elite depravity, akin to the Epstein saga. The plane crash of Mouriño, officially ruled an accident, has long fueled speculation of sabotage amid his anti-corruption efforts. Rico's mention of it added fuel to those fires.

Epstein Documents: The Catalyst for Resurgence

Fast-forward to January 30, 2026: The U.S. Department of Justice released a batch of Epstein-related files, including a chilling 2009 email to the disgraced financier. The message read: "Where are you? Are you okay? I loved the torture video." This dark correspondence, combined with mentions of international elites like Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, Steve Tisch, and Howard Lutnick, reignited online discussions.

Social media platforms exploded with threads linking Epstein's web of sex trafficking and abuse to Rico's claims. Users drew parallels between Epstein's island escapades and alleged rituals among Mexican moguls. Hashtags like #GabrielaRico and #EpsteinMexico trended, with viral posts amassing over 10 million views in days. One popular theory posits that Rico stumbled upon Epstein-adjacent secrets during travels or connections in the U.S.-Mexico border region.

While no direct evidence ties Rico to Epstein, the temporal overlap is uncanny—her breakdown occurred mere months after that email. Epstein's death in 2019, ruled a suicide but widely doubted, mirrors the opacity surrounding Rico's disappearance. Fact-checkers urge caution, noting the files mention Slim peripherally, likely in business contexts, not criminal ones.

Public Reaction and Conspiracy Theories

The revival has sparked a digital frenzy. On platforms like Reddit and TikTok, users dissect the old video frame-by-frame, hunting for clues. Some claim Rico's accents and phrasing suggest insider knowledge; others dismiss it as a tragic case of untreated mental illness. Podcasts dedicated to true crime have devoted episodes to her story, interviewing former Monterrey locals who recall the chaos.

Conspiracy circles amplify the drama, suggesting Rico was silenced—perhaps whisked to a psychiatric facility in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as unverified rumors claim. No concrete proof supports this, but it fits narratives of elite cover-ups. In Mexico, where distrust of institutions runs deep, the story resonates amid ongoing cartel violence and corruption scandals.

Where Is Gabriela Rico Today?

Seventeen years later, Rico's whereabouts remain a black hole. Official records are silent; family statements nonexistent. Argentine clinic rumors persist online, but without verification, they're just whispers. Mental health advocates highlight her case as a cautionary tale: In 2009, stigma around breakdowns often led to institutionalization without due process.

If alive, Rico would be in her late 30s, potentially rebuilding a quiet life. Her story underscores broader issues—how power shields the powerful, and how one woman's cry for help can echo through decades. As Epstein's files continue to unravel, will more connections to Mexico surface? For now, Gabriela Rico's outburst stands as a haunting footnote in a global tale of secrets and shadows.

This resurgence reminds us that in the age of information, buried truths have a way of clawing back to the surface. Whether madness or revelation, her words demand we listen.

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