The Robin Hood of the Wild West

2026-07-20

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Robbing from the rich to give to the poor and downtrodden - this is the legend of Joaquin Murrieta.But how true was it? Murder rates in 1850s California were 30 times higher than they are today, and Joaquin was part of this violence. Was he a social bandit, or was he fuelled by self-interest?Don is finding out today with historian John Boessenecker, author of ‘Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta'.Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to H...

Robbing from the rich to give to the poor and downtrodden - this is the legend of Joaquin Murrieta.

But how true was it? Murder rates in 1850s California were 30 times higher than they are today, and Joaquin was part of this violence. Was he a social bandit, or was he fuelled by self-interest?

Don is finding out today with historian John Boessenecker, author of ‘Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta'.

Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.

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