He participated in the Madero movement during the Mexican Revolution . In April 1911 he led the forces which conquered the Mexican state of Durango , capturing Mapimí , Lerdo , and Gómez Palacio . In May 1911 he led the assault on Torreón , which was a key location to seizing control of the surrounding area . However , when his Maderistas finally took the city on 15 May , they were joined by a local mob and massacred the city 's Chinese residents . Madero finally managed to bring them under control , but not until 10 hours had passed and over 300 Chinese lay dead . He had difficulty maintaining control of the area , though , and in June was forced to form a group of loyal men , who he paid $ 1.50 a day , to control rebellious former Maderistas . He was then aligned to the División del Norte in 1912 fighting Pascual Orozco under General Victoriano Huerta as a Colonel . During this time he was instrumental in saving Pancho Villa from execution , arguing for his life with Huerta , who wanted him out of the way
massacred the city 's Chinese residents
Torreón massacre
Emilio Madero