"Unreproved of Justice": The Murder Trial of Lastenia Abarta, 1881

Discover the events behind the 1881 murder of Francisco "Chico" Forster, the dramatic trial, and the astonishing verdict that made headlines. On a Los Angeles street in broad daylight, 18-year old Lastenia Abarta, confronted 40-year old Francisco “Chico” Forster, who was from a prominent family, pulled out a pistol and shot him through the eye, killing him instantly. What followed was a sensational murder trial with a novel defense and a shocking verdict making for one of the Angel City’s most unusual 19th century events.  Join us as the Homestead’s director, Paul R. Spitzzeri, shares this remarkable story of betrayal, revenge, and legal drama from nearly 150 years ago.