Deputy Sheriff Toribio Pastrano

Toribio Pastrano

In the 1890s Presidio County along the Rio Grande River separating Texas and Mexico was called the “Bloody Peninsula.” The name came from the bloodshed that was caused by outlaws and marauding bandits from Mexico. Antonio Carrasco was a noted outlaw and reportedly had killed eight men and been involved in numerous gun battles with lawmen. Deputy Sheriff Toribio Pastrano believed that Carrasco was involved in the murder of Texas Ranger Sergeant Fusselman on April 17, 1890. Deputy Pastrano learned that Carrasco would be at a fandango given on the Texas side of the Rio Grande River. He went alone to arrest him. As Pastrano entered the room, Carrasco said to him, “My friend, you are an officer and wish to arrest me. Very well.” As Carrasco spoke his hand dropped to his side, and he drew his pistol. The bullet entered Pastrano’s head just above the right eye and he fell dead. He mounted his horse and crossed the river back into Mexico. Pastrano was survived by his wife. No information on whether he had any children or his place of burial.

On June 21, 1892, three Texas rangers shot and killed Antonio Carrasco's his brother, Florencio, during an arrest. Another brother, Matildo Carrasco, was shot and killed by Texas Ranger Ernest “Diamond Dick” St. Leon six months earlier. Antonio Carrasco was arrested sometime after 1892 for horse stealing in Presidio County and sentenced to five years in prison. He appealed and the case was affirmed on June 8, 1895. There is no evidence at this time that Carrasco was ever charged with the murder of Deputy Pastrano.