From the Archives: In 1893 José Gabriel was the first inmate to be executed at San Quentin
One hundred and thirty years ago a San Diegan became the first person in California to be executed by the state at San Quentin. On March 3, 1893, J...
One hundred and thirty years ago a San Diegan became the first person in California to be executed by the state at San Quentin. On March 3, 1893, José Gabriel, who was dubbed 'Indian Joe,' by local newspapers, was hanged for murdering an aged farm couple who lived in Otay Mesa. Editorial on the first execution at San Quentin from The San Diego Union, March 4, 1893, page 4. Details from Gabriel's execution appeared on the front page of The San Diego Union the next day, but on page four, the paper editorialized that, 'only poor men and friendless' were punished for capital offenses.