Joaquin Murrieta Comemmorated in the Central Valley

Joaquin Murrieta came from central Mexico to California to join in the Gold Rush. He and his brother were falsely accused of stealing a mule. Murrieta was horsewhipped and his brother was killed. The lynch mob also raped Murrieta's wife. After this, Murrieta became an outlaw, and exacted revenge against the perpetrators of the crimes against him and his family. He became known as a Robin Hood character. A bounty of $5,000 was put on his life. While reports differ, it seems sure he disappeared back into Mexico and was never captured.