Murder & Justice in Frontier New Mexico, 1821-1846

This volume recounts eleven homicides in New Mexico during the Mexican period. In colorfully written vignettes, the author explores the social and cultural tensions that erupted in lethal violence in this isolated Mexican territory. Homicide in frontier New Mexico was the culmination of violence between family members, between neighbors, and against and by foreigners. The author describes and analyzes the murder, motive, investigation, trial, and sentencing in each case. Even on this remote frontier, civil authorities aggressively applied their legal tools to bring the violent offenders to justice, although sentences were rarely executed. Homicide and its aftermath provide an intimate view of social and cultural history. The testimony of farmers, laborers, and artisans reveals their struggle to live and prosper in the deserts and mountains of New Mexico. Preceding each chapter is a case summary listing the murder, investigators, alcaldes, prosecutors, defenders, lawyers, witnesses, and others.