Tejano Talks #27 - The legend of Chipita Rodríguez - (2017)

The legend of Chipita Rodríguez is one of the unique stories of South Texas which baffles the senses with facts, fiction and fantasy.
Hanged unjustly for a murder she claimed she never committed in 1863 in San Patricio County, her ghost reportedly roams the Nueces River wailing that she was not guilty.
Chipita was hanged reportedly for murdering cotton merchant and horse trader John Savage with an ax and stealing $600 in gold from him. Savage’s dismembered body was found in the Nueces River north of San Patricio, wrapped in a burlap sack.
Sheriff Williams Means’ investigation led to Chipita Rodriguez’s travelers’ inn where Savage had spent the night before his murder. Her only words were “No soy culpable!”
Chipita had no one speak on her defense and the jury pleaded for mercy because of her age, but Judge Benjamin F. Neal sentenced her to death by hanging on Nov. 13, 1863
Chipita was taken to grove of trees along the river and hanged from the tallest Oak. She was buried in a coffin along the banks of the river under the tree from which she was hanged.
Shortly after her burial, the rumors started. One of the onlookers said he heard a moan coming from the coffin. Today, witnesses claim they have seen a shadow of a mournful woman gliding on the river banks, her cries echoing into the mesquital.
A historical market in San Patricio details her tragic tale. It was commemorated in 2008.
Her tale has inspired countless books, articles, poetry and even a southwestern opera.
In 1985, state senator Carlos Truan of Corpus Christi asked the Texas legislature to absolve Chipita Rodríguez of murder.
The Sixty-ninth legislature passed the resolution, and it was signed by Governor Mark White on June 13, 1985. She was no longer guilty of murder.
Finally, someone heard her words.

[franciscosalinas]

May the soul of Chiquita pulido Rodriguez that was a kin of judge Judy r.i.p.