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Incident
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.
Survivors
Pastrano was survived by his wife.
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Tributes
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Pastrano served with the Presidio County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Marfa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Presidio County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Toribio is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Toribio is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Toribio is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1891, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1891, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1891, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Toribio was 35. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Toribio was 35. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Toribio was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Presidio County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Presidio County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Toribio among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Presidio County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
