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How the Mexican Mafia Works: 'Gangster Confidential' Airs Tonight
Réne Enríquez fought his way to the top of one of America's most ruthless gangs, the Mexican Mafia, for 20 years. From behind bars, he was able to kill and order deaths of gang rivals on Southern California streets. But then he began to have a change of heart.
Reporter Michael Montgomery stayed on the story for a year and a half and tonight he finally tells Enríquez's story from the beginnings of the Mafia to running the organization and from the life choices he eventually had to make such as leaving the gang to what the Mexican Mafia is like today.
"Gangster Confidential," which airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. on KPCC 89.3 FM, is a quest for redemption and freedom inside California penitentiaries, which is known as America's most brutal prison system. According to America Public Media, this documentary draws on unprecedented access to the jails and prisons with more than 30 hours of audio diaries recorded by Enríquez.
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The audio and video (a YouTube clip is below) can also be found online at a special section dedicated to the amazing documentary.
Photo Courtesy Réne Enríquez
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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