Yes, he told me he did it in self-defense, in an “it’s either you or me” kind of deadly dispute, and was not caught. It was an interesting story of drugs, gangs, revenge, and a dramatic ending involving a kidnapping where he was held at gunpoint by the kingpin. Sometimes I wonder if he was only testing my trust by retelling a movie, though.

Another time, I met an old-looking guy who was kidnapped by cartels and held captive for two years. He told me he had been starved and tortured and showed me a before-picture of himself where he looked incredibly built and handsome. In an effort to survive, he became one of their best assets with his ability to convince and negotiate, helping to kidnap other people until he was set free. I guess he was trauma-dumping on me.