The Arizona sentinel., 1885-03-14
The Encenada Outlaw Caught

March, 6, 1885. has the follow
 ing:
 Sheriff Gard, after @ tedious
 but persistent campaign, succeed.
 ed on Wednesday afternoon in
 capturing Jose Antonio Melen-
 deg, the leader in the Encenada
 massacre, which occurred some
 two months ago, south of San
 Diego, In Lower California.
 Jose Antonio Melendez and one
 Lopez, with three companions,
 become possessed with the know ledge that the Lieutenant in com-
 mand of the Mexican troops had just received his salary, amount ing to about $12OO. These out. laws, who were prisoners and
 familiar with the country, and es> pecially with the soldier, manag- ed to incite some of the men to join them in obtaining possession of the money. The telegraph and other correspondence have al- ready informed our readers how their devilish plans were carried into execution; of the murder of the brave Lieutenant, and how his wife, who was with him at the time, made a bold fight, sim gle.handed and succeeded in kill ling two of his assailants, and how she was pierced through the heart with 8 sabre. After accomplishing their devilish work they made good their escape to California. When in the vicinity of Yuma they were routed by the United States troops from Fort Yuma in 8 hOtly contested fight, in which ten of his gang were killed and twelve taken prisoners. Among those who escaped were the two leaders, Melendez and Lopez and two others.
 MelendeE, the man who is now behind the bars In our jail, hes long been wanted fin this county. Although he is young man, yet it is doubtful if there eyer was an outlaw with @ blackef record than his. He is acknowledged by those who know him to be 8 dead shot. About a year ago, in Bakersfield, tits reported that he entered a gambling house. and, being in one of his playful moods cleaned out the house. pocketed all the cash and departed. His next important move was at the Encenada massacre.
 A few days ago Sheriff Gard received word that Melendez was in close proximity to Los Ange- les. and he immediately proceed ed to devise some plan whereby he could capture the desperado. Gard finally located him and made arrangements that Melendez sh ould be put to blowing in the center of an open field near Bald- wins ranch. Everything worked like a charm, and Wednesday afternoon about 4 o'clock, Melen- deg, all unconscious that an officer was concealed near by, was busily engaged. The moment arrived, and Gard, mounting his horse, rode upon his man before he could get to the end of the field, WI ere his arms were stationed.
 Sheriff Gard, not having any handcuffs with him and having a good knowledge of his man, proceeded to cut the straps of his ridiDg-gear, and in 8 short time he had the prisoner safely strap- ped to a horse, which the Sheriff led to San Gabriel, where he pre- cured a wagon and drove to this city.
 Melendez denies everything, and claims that he has not been | out of the State for over 8 year. l In his possession was found a sized roan horse, white face, four white feet and branded on the left hip. undoubtedly stolen. What disposition will finally be made of Melendez re- mains to be seen. It is stated that the Mexican Governor has offered 8 large reward for his capture. He is also charged with stealing two horses near Anaheim two years ago.
 There is no doubt but that he has long been a leader of a gang of horse thieves who have been stealing horses in California and selling them in Mexico, and also in stealing Mexican horses in Ba- ia California and selling them in California. Sheriff Gard deserves | cDoo oial nroieo for this cnopossfuI |