Santiago Garduno
American Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Truchas, New Mexico
TIME PERIOD
1900s–1932
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Santiago Garduno, an American serial killer, was responsible for at least three murders in Colorado and New Mexico between 1900 and 1932. His criminal activities culminated in the poisoning of his 16-year-old stepson, Filemon Martinez, with strychnine-laced whiskey on October 7, 1932, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder. Garduno was sentenced to death, with no mercy recommendation from the jury, and was executed by electric chair at the New Mexico State Penitentiary on July 21, 1933, becoming one of the first two inmates to face this method of execution in the state. Significant evidence included the lethal substance used in the poisoning, and Garduno's prior criminal history included a manslaughter conviction for the 1925 shooting of Paulin Barela during a dance party altercation.
Santiago Garduno is believed to have committed multiple murders, with speculation that he was involved in an additional murder case that did not proceed due to the deaths of key witnesses. Some theorize that his violent behavior escalated after his initial manslaughter conviction, culminating in the poisoning of his stepson, which was seen as a calculated act rather than a crime of passion. There is a belief among some that Garduno's execution marked a significant turning point in the use of the electric chair in New Mexico, highlighting the state's evolving approach to capital punishment.
The Haunting Crimes of Santiago Garduno
In the early 20th century, the shadow of Santiago Garduno loomed large over New Mexico and Colorado. Born on December 28, 1884, in Truchas, New Mexico, Garduno's life would lead him down a dark path, ultimately earning him a place in history as one of the first two men to be executed by electric chair in New Mexico. His journey through crime and punishment is as chilling as it is tragic.
A Series of Unforgiving Acts
Garduno's criminal record began in Colorado, where he served time for murder. Though another murder charge loomed over him, it vanished into thin air when key witnesses met untimely ends. This eerie start foreshadowed the grim events that would follow.
On the first day of 1925, a dance party in Truchas, New Mexico, turned deadly. Amidst revelry, a brawl erupted, drawing Santiago Garduno into its chaos. In the heat of the moment, he brandished a gun, and shots rang out. Paulin Barela, a respected member of the community and the American Legion, lay dead, and his brother was wounded. This event led to Garduno's conviction for manslaughter, resulting in a 9 to 10-year prison sentence. His release came in 1930, but his freedom was short-lived.
The Final, Heinous Act
The year 1932 brought an unthinkable crime, sealing Garduno's fate. On October 7, he poisoned his 16-year-old stepson, Filemon Martinez, with whiskey tainted by the deadly strychnine. The courts showed no mercy; he was found guilty of first-degree murder. The jury's silence on leniency left only one option: the death penalty.
As the judge pronounced the sentence, he sternly reminded Garduno, "This is the third time you have been tried for taking human life: so far as this court is concerned it will be the last." With no success in his appeals, Garduno's date with destiny was set.
The Execution
On July 21, 1933, the New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe witnessed an historic moment. Santiago Garduno, along with Thomas Johnson—a man guilty of killing a young woman and assaulting others—became the first to face the electric chair in New Mexico. Johnson went first, and then it was Garduno's turn.
Before his execution, Garduno shared a final meal of chicken and met with his mother and sister. His last words were a haunting echo of forgiveness: "I forgive everyone for whatever has been done. I hold no malice." At 1:12 AM, he was pronounced dead, leaving behind a legacy of violence and the somber reminder of the era's harsh justice.
The Aftermath
Santiago Garduno's tale is a chilling chapter in the annals of American crime. His life, marked by violence and the ultimate penalty, remains a stark example of the period's approach to justice. His story is etched into the history of New Mexico's capital punishment narrative, a cautionary tale of crime and consequence.
Sources
- Santiago Garduno suspect
- Santiago Garduno shooting
- Santiago Garduno manslaughter
- Parole Garduno
- Capital Punishment or Compassion Executions in New Mexico
- Santiago Garduno guilty 1
- Santiago Garduno sentenced to death
- Clipped From Clovis News-Journal
For further reading, visit the original Wikipedia page on Santiago Garduno.
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First Murder
Santiago Garduno kills Paulin Barela during a fight at a dance party.
Convicted of Manslaughter
Garduno is convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 9 to 10 years in prison.
Paroled
Garduno is paroled after serving time for the manslaughter conviction.
Final Murder
Garduno poisons his 16-year-old stepson, Filemon Martinez, with strychnine.
Convicted of First Degree Murder
Garduno is convicted of first degree murder for the poisoning of his stepson.
Sentenced to Death
Garduno is sentenced to death; the judge states it will be his last trial for taking human life.
Executed
Santiago Garduno is executed by electric chair at the New Mexico State Penitentiary.
Santiago Garduno, an American serial killer, was responsible for at least three murders in Colorado and New Mexico between 1900 and 1932. His criminal activities culminated in the poisoning of his 16-year-old stepson, Filemon Martinez, with strychnine-laced whiskey on October 7, 1932, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder. Garduno was sentenced to death, with no mercy recommendation from the jury, and was executed by electric chair at the New Mexico State Penitentiary on July 21, 1933, becoming one of the first two inmates to face this method of execution in the state. Significant evidence included the lethal substance used in the poisoning, and Garduno's prior criminal history included a manslaughter conviction for the 1925 shooting of Paulin Barela during a dance party altercation.
Santiago Garduno is believed to have committed multiple murders, with speculation that he was involved in an additional murder case that did not proceed due to the deaths of key witnesses. Some theorize that his violent behavior escalated after his initial manslaughter conviction, culminating in the poisoning of his stepson, which was seen as a calculated act rather than a crime of passion. There is a belief among some that Garduno's execution marked a significant turning point in the use of the electric chair in New Mexico, highlighting the state's evolving approach to capital punishment.
The Haunting Crimes of Santiago Garduno
In the early 20th century, the shadow of Santiago Garduno loomed large over New Mexico and Colorado. Born on December 28, 1884, in Truchas, New Mexico, Garduno's life would lead him down a dark path, ultimately earning him a place in history as one of the first two men to be executed by electric chair in New Mexico. His journey through crime and punishment is as chilling as it is tragic.
A Series of Unforgiving Acts
Garduno's criminal record began in Colorado, where he served time for murder. Though another murder charge loomed over him, it vanished into thin air when key witnesses met untimely ends. This eerie start foreshadowed the grim events that would follow.
On the first day of 1925, a dance party in Truchas, New Mexico, turned deadly. Amidst revelry, a brawl erupted, drawing Santiago Garduno into its chaos. In the heat of the moment, he brandished a gun, and shots rang out. Paulin Barela, a respected member of the community and the American Legion, lay dead, and his brother was wounded. This event led to Garduno's conviction for manslaughter, resulting in a 9 to 10-year prison sentence. His release came in 1930, but his freedom was short-lived.
The Final, Heinous Act
The year 1932 brought an unthinkable crime, sealing Garduno's fate. On October 7, he poisoned his 16-year-old stepson, Filemon Martinez, with whiskey tainted by the deadly strychnine. The courts showed no mercy; he was found guilty of first-degree murder. The jury's silence on leniency left only one option: the death penalty.
As the judge pronounced the sentence, he sternly reminded Garduno, "This is the third time you have been tried for taking human life: so far as this court is concerned it will be the last." With no success in his appeals, Garduno's date with destiny was set.
The Execution
On July 21, 1933, the New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe witnessed an historic moment. Santiago Garduno, along with Thomas Johnson—a man guilty of killing a young woman and assaulting others—became the first to face the electric chair in New Mexico. Johnson went first, and then it was Garduno's turn.
Before his execution, Garduno shared a final meal of chicken and met with his mother and sister. His last words were a haunting echo of forgiveness: "I forgive everyone for whatever has been done. I hold no malice." At 1:12 AM, he was pronounced dead, leaving behind a legacy of violence and the somber reminder of the era's harsh justice.
The Aftermath
Santiago Garduno's tale is a chilling chapter in the annals of American crime. His life, marked by violence and the ultimate penalty, remains a stark example of the period's approach to justice. His story is etched into the history of New Mexico's capital punishment narrative, a cautionary tale of crime and consequence.
Sources
- Santiago Garduno suspect
- Santiago Garduno shooting
- Santiago Garduno manslaughter
- Parole Garduno
- Capital Punishment or Compassion Executions in New Mexico
- Santiago Garduno guilty 1
- Santiago Garduno sentenced to death
- Clipped From Clovis News-Journal
For further reading, visit the original Wikipedia page on Santiago Garduno.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder
Santiago Garduno kills Paulin Barela during a fight at a dance party.
Convicted of Manslaughter
Garduno is convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 9 to 10 years in prison.
Paroled
Garduno is paroled after serving time for the manslaughter conviction.
Final Murder
Garduno poisons his 16-year-old stepson, Filemon Martinez, with strychnine.
Convicted of First Degree Murder
Garduno is convicted of first degree murder for the poisoning of his stepson.
Sentenced to Death
Garduno is sentenced to death; the judge states it will be his last trial for taking human life.
Executed
Santiago Garduno is executed by electric chair at the New Mexico State Penitentiary.