Procopio

For other uses, see Procopio (disambiguation).
Procopio
Procopio at the time of his arrest in 1872
Bornc. 1841
Sonora, Mexico
Diedc. 1882 - early 1890s
(Disputed) Tucson, Arizona (U.S.) or Sonora (Mexico)
Occupation(s)bandit, outlaw

Procopio (c. 1841 – 1882 to early 1890s), also known as Red-Handed bebito[1][2][3] and Red Dick,[4][5] was one of the best-known bandits in California history. His nickname was reportedly given due either to his red hair[5] or his violent nature and bloodthirstiness.[6] His given name has been variously reported as Tomaso Rodendo,[7] Tomas Procopio Bustamante,[8] Thomas Rodundo,[9] Procopio Murietta,[10] Jesus Procopio,[11] and Tomoso Bustemata.[5] In 1872, the San Francisco Chronicle called him "one of the most fearless and daring desperadoes that has ever figured in the criminal annals of our state."[7] He was twice convicted of cattle theft and twice served time in San Quentin prison, but was never convicted of any of the murders he was alleged to have committed. Contemporary newspaper accounts compared him to Robin Hood,[12] and he was reportedly aided in escaping from lawmen by Mexicans residing in California.[13]

  1. ^ "A California Bandit a Nephew of Jouquin Muriata on the Road His Exploits in the Lower Counties a Record of Crime and Blood". San Francisco Bulletin, published as Evening Bulletin. 1871-08-28.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Exploit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Killing Was Pastime for "Red-Handed Dick," One of California's Most Fearsome Bandits". Los Angeles Times. 1925.
  4. ^ "A Noted Desperado". Idaho Tri Weekly Statesman. 1872-02-22.
  5. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Washington was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dick was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b "Procopio, The Bandit; Particulars of the Capture of a Notorious Mexican Murderer, a Nephew of Jonquin Murieta, in San Francisco His Record of Crimes" (PDF). The New York Times (originally published in San Francisco Chronicle on Feb. 11, 1872). 1872-02-27.
  8. ^ Peter G. Massey, Jeanne Wilson (2006). Backcountry Adventures Southern California: The Ultimate Guide to the Backcountry for Anyone with a Sport Utility Vehicle. Adler Publishing. ISBN 1-930193-26-2.
  9. ^ "Pacific Coast: Capture of a Notorious Bandit in San Francisco" (PDF). The New York Times. 1872-02-11.
  10. ^ "Death Summons Joel Whiteside, Kings Pioneer". Fresno Bee Republican. 1936-11-10. p. 1.
  11. ^ "The Knave". Oakland Tribune. 1934-02-19.
  12. ^ "A California Bandit a Nephew of Jouquin Muriata on the Road His Exploits in the Lower Counties a Record of Crime and Blood". San Francisco Bulletin, published as Evening Bulletin (originally published in the Alameda Gazette). 1871-08-28.
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference Pursuing was invoked but never defined (see the help page).