Colorado’s First Serial Killers: The Bloody Espinosas

When one thinks of the Wild West, serial killers aren’t typically what comes to mind. However, back in the 1860s, a few family members living in what would eventually become Colorado wreaked such havoc that they were given the distinction of being the state’s first serial killers.

Who Were Colorado’s Bloody Espinosas?

Nicknamed the Bloody Espinosas, this group that would be known as Colorado’s first serial killers was made up of Felipe, Vivian, and Jose Espinosa.

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The family worked as farmers near Conejos, Colorado, until 1862, when things would change drastically for the Espinosas.

What Motivated Colorado’s Bloody Espinosas to Kill?

While it’s unclear as to exactly what motivated the Espinosas to become killers, it’s believed that their spree was provoked by their home being burned and land being confiscated after they robbed a wagon.

Colorado’s Bloody Espinosas Go on a Killing Spree

After vowing revenge for what happened to their property, Felipe and Vivian headed to Cañon City, where they claimed their first victim, Francis William Bruce, on March 18, 1863. The next day would see the Espinosas claim the life of Henry Harkens in Colorado City, and several other victims would be found in Fairplay, Alma, and surrounding areas.

The growing number of murder victims would inspire the formation of a militia, led by John McCannon, who would claim the life of Vivian, though Felipe would escape and recruit Jose to assist in the killing spree. After Vivian’s death, a note would be discovered on his person that outlined a plan to kill “600 whites” to avenge the loss of the family’s property.

Despite Vivian being out of the picture, Felipe and Jose would continue taking the lives of random victims throughout Colorado and even threatened Governor John Evans’s life if they were not given a pardon for their actions.

Colorado’s Bloody Espinosas’ Killing Spree Comes to an End

After the militia claimed Vivian’s life and took his head as a trophy, Army Scout Tom Tobin was given the task of tracking down the Espinosas, which he completed and returned to Fort Garland with both men’s heads in October of 1863.

Upon claiming the lives of Felipe and Jose, Tobin discovered Felipe’s diary, which revealed that the Espinosas had claimed a total of 32 lives in just a few months.