Jury begins deliberating in El Chapo trial

The trial of notorious drug lord Joaquín Guzmán, a.k.a. El Chapo, is finally nearing its end.

Jury deliberations began Monday afternoon in the federal trial that has lasted nearly three months and included hundreds of hours of testimony, The Associated Press and CNN report. Guzmán, who is accused of operating a conspiracy to illegally import narcotics into the U.S. as head of the infamous Sinaloa cartel, has been charged on 10 counts, The New York Times reports.

Oral arguments began on Nov. 13. The trial ultimately included 56 witnesses and testimony describing "unspeakable tortures and ghastly murders," CNN writes. A number of stunning details have emerged, and one expert told CNN the most damning piece of evidence was "wire intercepts in which [Guzmán is] negotiating sources of supply," with the jury being able to hear his voice on the tape for themselves. In another eye-popping moment, Guzmán's former right-hand man testified that the alleged kingpin once paid a $100 million bribe to former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

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Court papers also include allegations of Guzmán raping 13 year old girls; this was not shared with the jury, although two jurors told the judge Monday they had learned of the reports, AP writes. Guzmán, who previously escaped custody two times, has pleaded not guilty, and during his trial, his defense sought to downplay the testimony of witnesses who "lie, steal, cheat, deal drugs and kill people." He faces life in prison.