Lalo is one of many nephews of Hector Salamanca, an enforcer of the Juárez Cartel. After Hector becomes paralyzed due to a stroke, Lalo arrives from Mexico to help run the family drug operation in Albuquerque, New Mexico; he takes a greater interest in the day-to-day details of the operation than Hector did.
All of the Salamanca family members connected to the cartel perished between 2004 and 2009: Lalo who was killed in a shootout with Gus Fring in 2004, Gonzo who led to death after getting his arm crushed under a stack of cars in 2008, Tuco in a shootout with Hank Schrader in 2008, Marco after being shot by Hank, Leonel ...
The cartel was started by Hector Salamanca, Eladio Vuente, and Juan Bolsa, with Hector claiming that he and his family "built this whole business" with their money and blood ("Lantern"). Eventually, Eladio became the don of the cartel with Hector and Bolsa serving as his most trusted capos.
Tuco Salamanca was born in Mexico at some point around 1970 and was raised by his uncle Hector, alongside his cousins Lalo, Marco and Leonel, and his first cousin once removed Joaquin, to become a member of the Cartel.
First originating as a nickname, Lalo has become a fully-fledged masculine title all on its own. A common play on Eduardo, the Spanish Lalo is related to the English Edward—itself rooted in the Anglo Saxon Éadƿeard. Though short and nimble, Lalo gains gravitas from the Old English ead, "wealth," and ƿeard, "guardian."
Hector Salamanca Origins – Most Terrifying Cartel Boss Who Created Countless Psychotic Killers
Who kills Hank in Breaking Bad?
Accepting his fate, Hank is shot by Jack. Jack's men bury Hank and Gomez's bodies in the hole Walt had stored his money, stealing most of it but leaving one barrel containing around $10 million for Walt. Several months after Hank's and Gomez's deaths, Walt returns to Albuquerque from hiding in New Hampshire.
As long as you never forget who's boss. Eladio Vuente's warning to Gustavo Fring. Don Eladio Vuente is a Mexican drug lord and the Don of the Cartel. He founded it at some point in the 1970s alongside Juan Bolsa and Hector Salamanca.
Sinaloa is the most prominent state in Mexico in terms of agriculture and is known as "Mexico's breadbasket". Additionally, Sinaloa has the second largest fishing fleet in the country. Livestock produces meat, sausages, cheese, milk as well as sour cream.
For the next 20 years, Gus remains outwardly loyal to the cartel but nurses a grudge against Eladio, Juan Bolsa, and particularly Hector, waiting for his chance at revenge.
Hector and Lalo are the only Salamanca family members who were ever referred to as Dons, implying they're the highest ranked in their family. They are also the only Salamanca family members to kill a main character.
Calculating and intelligent, Nacho was formerly an employee at his father's shop A-Z Fine Upholstery before becoming affiliated with the Cartel. He became one of Tuco Salamanca's most trusted enforcers and later became the lieutenant of both Hector and Lalo Salamanca.
A low-key meth distributor, he was formerly associated with the Salamanca family before later becoming an independent drug dealer working with people like Jesse Pinkman. He is the cousin of Emilio Koyama.
It's part of a ritual connected to Santa Muerte, a Mexican folk saint worshipped for protection and guidance, especially among the cartel world. Their crawl symbolized humility, devotion, and a chilling determination to avenge Tuco's death.
Prior to Better Call Saul, Nacho is one of the lieutenants in the Salamanca drug trade under Tuco Salamanca in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When he has time, he helps his father Manuel at an upholstery-repair shop. Around 1996 and 1997, Nacho and Tuco were working with a biker gang from Riverside County, California.
Combo has one of the saddest deaths in Breaking Bad. There's a small scene in Better Call Saul where Jesse talks about Combo, showing that he really cares about his friend. As a result, his death leaves a void in Jesse's heart, one that almost makes him reconsider the gravity of his situation.
Marie threatens to take Holly with her but leaves the baby behind at Hank's insistence. When Hank is killed after arresting Walt, Skyler, believing Walt to be the killer, demands that he leave their house and threatens him with a knife.
Marie- grieved Hanks death but eventually ended up with someone that she knew through Hank and the DEA. Possibly adopted a child. Had a hard time forgiving Skyler but eventually in a few years got back in contact with her and the kids. Jesse- made a life for himself in Alaska and tried to move on from his trauma.
Dalton, who would often joke about Smith's description of his character's last breath as "ugly" in the script, improvised Lalo's choice to smile and laugh after being shot by Gus. Gilligan chose to include it because he saw the moment as Lalo being surprised by Gus's sheer luck during the shoot-out in the dark.
In conclusion, the name Lalo has its roots in the Spanish language, signifying a rich guardian. It has a historical presence as a symbol of wealth and protection, and it continues to be used in modern times as a given name and as a nickname.
Despite playing twins in both series, Luis is around three years older than Daniel in real life. Luis Moncada was formerly in a gang and has served a prison sentence for vehicle theft. As of 2025, they are both partnered streamers on Twitch.
He is the cousin of Emilio Koyama, and is close friends with Nacho Varga and the other members of the Varga family. He leads his own crew that takes part in the production and distribution of meth and cocaine.
