The Mexican force that eventually caught and destroyed most of the band was commanded by Colonel Joaquín Terrazas of the Chihuahuan state militia, supplemented by Tarahumara scouts who provided much of the same kind of terrain-knowledge advantage that Apache scouts provided to the United States Army.

The trap was well-planned — the Mexican force surrounded the rocky position where Victorio’s band had camped and launched the assault after allowing no route of escape.

The battle lasted through the day and into the night.

The Apache defenders, including women who fought alongside the men during the final stages, were overwhelmed by superior numbers fighting from surrounding positions.

Victorio was killed during the battle — the precise circumstances of his death are debated, with some accounts suggesting he died in combat and others suggesting he was killed after the battle’s outcome was determined.

The majority of the people at Tres Castillos died — approximately 78 people killed and 68 taken prisoner.