Fred Gómez Carrasco facts for kids

Federico (or Alfredo) Gómez Carrasco (born February 10, 1940 – died August 3, 1974) was an American man of Mexican heritage. He was known by the nicknames "El Señor" and "El Viejo" (The Old Man). Carrasco was a significant figure in South Texas during the late 1960s and early 1970s, especially in the Nuevo Laredo area. He was involved in events that gained widespread attention, including a notable prison standoff. More traditional Mexican folk songs called corridos have been written about Carrasco than about Gregorio Cortez, another famous figure in Texas history.

Early Life and Background

Federico Gómez Carrasco was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1940. He grew up in Texas. Not much is publicly known about his early childhood. However, he became a well-known figure in the border region between Texas and Mexico.

Notable Events

Carrasco was involved in several significant events during his life. In December 1972, he escaped from custody in Jalisco, Mexico, by using a laundry truck. He was arrested again in July 1973 in San Antonio, Texas. During this arrest, he survived being shot four times by police.

The Huntsville Prison Standoff

One of the most famous events involving Carrasco was an attempted escape from Huntsville Prison in Huntsville, Texas. This event took place from July 24 to August 3, 1974. It became known as the Huntsville Prison Siege. This standoff lasted for 11 days, making it the longest prison siege in history at that time.

Carrasco's lawyer, Ruben Montemayor, tried to help resolve the situation. The standoff ended on August 3, 1974, when Carrasco died during the event.

Legacy

Federico Gómez Carrasco remains a notable figure in the history of the Texas-Mexico border. His story is often told in corrido songs, which are ballads that tell stories about heroes, outlaws, or historical events. These songs show how his life and the events he was involved in captured the public's imagination.