In 1852, Vasquez was influenced by Anastacio García, one of California's most dangerous bandits. In 1854, Vasquez was present at the slaying of Monterey Constable William Hardmount in a fight with Anastacio García at a fandango. Vasquez denied any involvement and fled, becoming an outlaw. Vasquez later claimed his crimes were the result of discrimination by the "norteamericanos" and insisted that he was a defender of Mexican-American rights. For the next 20 years, Vasquez and García played leading roles in Monterey County's murderous Roach-Belcher feud, ending when García was executed by hanging in 1875.