David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It

by Phil Guarnieri, Richard L. Range

Most Famous Cold Case Mystery in Texas History—What Really Happened to David Crockett In this latest work Phil Guarnieri and Richard L. Range employ modern-day forensic investigative techniques to tackle the most famous cold case in Texas how David Crocket died at the Alamo. The question of whether Crockett died fighting or was captured and executed by order of General Santa Anna has spawned a lively and contentious four-decade-long debate. The authors examine the genesis and evolution of the Crockett execution story and conduct a thorough and detailed dissection weighing the extant evidence left by witnesses from both sides of the battle. They then introduce two new critical points of evidence that have never been previously scrutinized throughout the long course of this heated controversy. The evidence, arguments, and conclusions derived in this illuminating analysis make Crockett's execution highly unlikely—if not impossible. If you are interested in history or in cold case crime mysteries, you will find this book both intriguing and compelling.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Richard West · Rating 2 out of 5]

Occasionally, despite your best efforts you buy a book that makes you wish you had saved your money. This is one of those books.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated with the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 and when a new book comes along, I have to get it. This one though, well....not so much.

Essentially what we have is a re-hash of all the research into how David (or Davy, if you prefer) Crockett died in that battle on March 6, 1836. It would have been better suited to have appeared in a scholarly journal about Texas or American history since it's very short and can be read in - if not one sitting - in one day assuming you take a break periodically for things like lunch and dinner.

We all know the truth about Crockett's death since details about it have appeared in countless other books and this one offers up nothing new.

Save your money - it's overpriced at $27 - and buy one of the better books about the battle. You'll be glad you did.

[J Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read about the Texas Alamo and all the famous historical people who fought at the Alamo, you have probably read that David Crockett was captured and executed by order of General Santa Anna. There has been a long debate as to whether David Crockett was captured or went down fighting. This book will certainly lean you toward this "fighter" went down fighting! Read and draw your own conclusions. Great book.

[Raymond Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent.It is a fast read and very interesting.The evidence presented in the book proves to my mind that Crockett died fighting beyond any reasonable doubt.

[Ron Current · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re an Alamo nut, like me, this is a must read. Phil Guamieri and Richard Range have put to rest the myth that David Crockett surrendered and was executed by Santa Anna after the fall of the Alamo. Using investigative techniques they take the accounts of the post battle events to clearly layout how Crockett was not one of the defenders executed, and actually gave his life fighting in front of the Alamo’s church.

[Hector J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Range and co-author do a great job of amnswering the question of Crockett's death. The intense research presented leaves very little speculation of how Crockett's life ended in 1836. Those interested in Texas and Alamo history should read.

[Pat Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It by Alamo history researchers Phil Guarnieri and Richard L. Range delves into the ongoing controversy about how David Crockett died at the Alamo Battle on March 6, 1836. Some rely on evidence indicating that he was executed by order of General Santa Anna following the battle. Others, like the authors, insist that Crockett died much as he lived—fighting. This book differs from others in that it approaches the subject in a way that examines the same evidence that other researchers have, but from a different perspective. To what result? In the book’s Foreword, Jerry Patterson, former Texas Land Office Commissioner (the state agency responsible for oversight of the Alamo), states, “If you believe Crockett surrendered, I promise you will at least have very serious doubts about the surrender narrative, and more likely conclude as I did, ‘I was wrong, Davy Crockett died fighting.’ ” The authors are very clear about the purpose of the book in the Preface: “. . . the goal of this book is to determine if there is a valid, supportable way to ascertain the true circumstances of the death of David Crockett.” They then go on to say in the Prologue: “. . . when viewed as a whole, the evidence convincingly weighs in favor of the conclusion that the famous frontiersman was slain sometime during the battle.” Early in the book, the authors provide a personal background for David Crockett, giving a good feel for the man's nature and what drove him. Understanding that grants the reader a better perspective from which to evaluate the case evidence presented. This evidence is the same as that examined by every other researcher, both for Crockett’s death in battle and by ordered execution. The approach is what makes this treatment of the evidence so different. In their analysis, the authors do not tiptoe around the execution evidence, nor do they avoid suspect evidence in defense of his fighting to the death. Rather, they put all the evidence in light of the timing of events and then subject it to the rigors of cold case murder investigation techniques. After studying the book carefully, I am convinced, as is Jerry Patterson, that the evidence strongly points toward David Crockett dying as he defended himself against a myriad of Mexican soldiers. This book is thorough, thought-provoking, and convincing. Read it. See for yourself if you move to side with the authors, Jerry Patterson, and those who believe the evidence is more substantial for Crockett’s death in battle than it is for him dying as a result of Santa Anna’s ordered execution.

[Charles Brazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

"David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It" examines eyewitness accounts to determine how Crockett met his end...Did he die fighting in battle, or was he captured and executed after the Alamo fell...??? Phil Guarnieri and Richard L. Range, look closely at all the different conflicting testimony with a scientific protocol and in turn make a compelling case that challenges the new 'politically correct' or Alamo bashing 'wishful thinking' narrative and arriving at a clear conclusion reflected in the title...

The book provides a very nuanced and respectful analysis of the various theories surrounding his demise...They begin by briefly introducing Crockett, assuming readers have some prior knowledge of his story, before diving into the longstanding controversy that emerged shortly after the Fall of the Alamo...

Guarnieri and Range examine the old newspaper articles and letters, showing how these documents influenced each other over time...The authors also tackle the vast number of accounts that claim Crockett was captured and executed...Many of these accounts come from unknown sources, which affects their credibility...The authors examined the accounts carefully, while accentuating that the sheer amount does not necessarily equate to accuracy...

The authors address Mexican Lt. Col. Jose Enrique De la Peña’s account often cited as a primary source for Crockett’s execution...They acknowledge the historical significance of De la Peña’s stories, even noting that the specific details about Crockett and Travis were likely added later...

The authors clearly articulate the advantage that General Santa Anna would have enjoyed had he captured Crockett alive...Santa Anna would have known this and probably would not have ordered the former U.S. congressman executed yet he called in three witnesses who knew Crockett to identify his body (the best evidence that De La Pena’s account was in error) lending credence to the theory that Crockett died before Santa Anna arrived at the Alamo after the battle...


The book, with it's balanced approach, detailed analysis, and respect for different perspectives, is convincing in its conclusion that Crockett died in front of the Alamo church...

This book is a valuable contribution to clearing up a great riddle of the Alamo...

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody has heard of David Crockett’s valiant end at the Alamo over one hundred and fifty years ago. A tale that enchanted boys and girls alike. But was it fact?
A 1975 English translation by Carmen Perry of the journal written by Jose Enrique da la Pena, purporting to be an account of the battle and execution of David Crockett. Carmen published it as a book. Pena was a Mexican Officer assigned to General Santa Anna’s Toluca Battalion. Her book sparked a firestorm, dividing historical academia. One side said he died fighting. The other side said he went down by execution. This book is a nonfiction historical account of the Alamo defenders, with a particular focus on David Crockett.
The authors’ research had to (1) show how the original document writer obtained the information, and (2) that the writer’s informant or the material was credible, including eyewitness reports. The authors developed a two-pronged approach. First, they developed a timeline of events that organized events chronologically. Second, the timeline was expanded to include a unique investigation of where events took place.
The same painstaking analysis law enforcement uses for cold cases was applied to this problem. No written item, be it a letter, newspaper article, eyewitness accounts, etc., was left
unexamined. Every historical book and article on the Alamo was also examined. Mexico’s National Archives were also examined. No stone was left unturned in search of information.
The authors reached a definitive, finite conclusion regarding how David Crockett died at the Alamo. How you wonder… oh, you must read the book to find out the conclusion.

[Masi · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It is a powerful, forensic-style deep dive into one of Texas’s most debated historical mysteries—how David Crockett really died at the Alamo.

Authors Phil Guarnieri and Richard L. Range break down eyewitness testimonies, sift through decades of conflicting claims, and introduce new evidence that challenges the idea Crockett was executed. Their investigation strongly supports one conclusion: Crockett died fighting bravely, not captured.

If you love true history, forensic analysis, or cold-case mysteries, this book delivers a compelling, eye-opening read.

[Annmarie Naddeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has been a long standing debate on whether David Crockett died "fighting" or was executed by Santa Ana at the Alamo. This book with its well researched evidence and arguments will definitely lean you to believe Crockett died a hero, just like the other brave men who defended the Alamo. Excellent read!

[Jeffrey D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched book concerning a controversial topic. The authors have an extensive understanding of the primary sources and provide an analysis and interpretation of these sources to conclude that the preponderance of the evidence shows Crockett died fighting at the Alamo and was not among the handful of Alamo defenders who were executed after surrendering. Extensive bibliography.