Why was rapper Swifty Blue in jail? Allegations explored as 19 charged in alleged Mexican Mafia conspiracy for rapper’s murder 

Why was rapper Swifty Blue in jail? (Image via YouTube/@swiftyblue)
Why was rapper Swifty Blue in jail? (Image via YouTube/@swiftyblue)

Swifty Blue, born Nelson Abrego, was jailed in November 2023 on a weapons charge. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested him for possessing a gun as a felon. He was held at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles County during the case.

This arrest for firearm possession marked the beginning of a series of events that would unveil a broader and more dangerous plot. Inside the jail, evidence emerged showing that a prison gang had reportedly targeted him for murder.

While incarcerated, a murder conspiracy aimed at Swifty Blue was allegedly orchestrated by the Mexican Mafia. Prosecutors claim that 19 individuals have now been charged in connection with this plot, some of whom operated inside the jail while others were active on the streets.


What led to the conspiracy against Swifty Blue?

As reported by the Los Angeles Times on June 18, 2025, court filings indicate that Manuel “Snuffy” Quintero, a reputed Mexican Mafia leader, ordered the killing in 2022. He allegedly took offense at Swifty Blue’s behavior.

The conspiracy developed gradually. Prosecutors traced communications through jail calls and TikTok messages. Swifty Blue’s name appeared in messages that directed attacks. One subordinate, Giuseppe “Clever” Leyva, disseminated the kill order to gang members in Paramount, Compton, and downtown Los Angeles. These messages included phrases like “on sight,” referring to the rapper.

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How did the jail attack happen?

As the Los Angeles Times reported on April 1, 2024, a violent climax unfolded inside Men’s Central Jail. Three inmates—Adrian “Slick” Bueno, Andrew “Largo” Shinaia, and Jude “Crazy” Valle—entered Swifty Blue’s cell. They beat and “sliced” him while another inmate, Michael “Weasel” Ortiz, allegedly obstructed the camera.

The attack occurred following the gun charge arrest in November 2023. Prosecutors state it was part of a long-running conspiracy. The rapper suffered injuries but survived, although his life was allegedly still in danger. After leaving jail, plots reportedly continued on the streets.

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Why did Swifty Blue become a target of the Mexican Mafia?

As reported by the Los Angeles Times on April 1, 2024, Swifty had a history in the gang-influenced music scene. His lyrics reflected street life, and he hailed from Eastside Paramount, a region with an active gang presence. In prison, he was reportedly paying “taxes” to the Mexican Mafia in exchange for protection. Sources say he fell behind on those payments.

He allegedly made disrespectful remarks about a Mexican Mafia member, which led to him being "greenlit," marked for harm or death. This triggered a series of actions. Messages later circulated that his career was over. One TikTok message reportedly stated, “With Swifty, his career is done,” and predicted violent consequences.

The plot unfolded both inside and outside of the prison. Some gang members started tagging his house with graffiti that referenced the penal code for murder (187), while others sent photos of a gun positioned near his home. This demonstrated their attempts to intimidate him and his family.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava