Famous Last Words
Francisco “Pancho” Villa (born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula)
Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico
July 20, 1923
Villa, a Mexican revolutionary general and folk hero, and 4 of his associates were assassinated by a group of 7 riflemen. It’s not clear why his assassination was carried out; some believe it was due to a feud with another family while others think Villa’s desire to run in an upcoming election was the cause.
His last words, “Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something” is probably not his true final statement; he was shot in the head and chest with expanding bullets (used to take down big game prey) and most likely killed instantly. However, the alleged final statement is memorable and so the legend of his last words persists.
