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The Fall of Tiburcio
Joel Parker describes this slot-machine head as,
". . . like something out of Rod Serlings Night Gallery."

"In the latter part of 1874, Tiburcio was captured in what in now Hollywood, CA. He was then transported to San Jose to await trail. Over one thousand ladies representing the elite and respectable of the City of San Jose visited Tiburcio in his jail cell, showering him with flowers, gifts and monetary donations for his legal counsel. Had women been able to vote and sit on the jury in those days, the verdict most likely would not have been:

"We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree, and assign the death penalty."

"There was applause from the men in the gallery. The women, it was reported in the press, wept, and some of them fainted. On March 19th, 1875 at 1:30 pm, Tiburcio Vasques was hanged in front of an "invitation only" audience outside the San Jose jailhouse. Tiburcio graciously walked up the gallows stairs, without restraint, offering a smile to the overpacked onlookers. His only word after the rope was placed around his neck was:

"Pronto!"

In due time I will add to the story of Tiburcio, as well as relate the tale of terror enacted by Juan "Human Wildcat" Soto - the fiercest outlaw in California.

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