Towards the last months of 1896, the Cuban independence forces were waging the Las Villas Campaign in mid-November of that year.

The regiments under his command, made up of approximately 800 men,[citation needed] attacked the enemy in the afternoon.

During the battle, Major General Francisco Carrillo suffered a severe contusion to his face and the then Lieutenant Colonel Enrique Loynaz del Castillo was knocked off his horse, which collapsed on top of him, causing injuries.

"[2] While the rear guard detained the enemy, the Cubans transported the body of General Sánchez to a safe place.

With this battle, the Mambí Army lost an important and experienced general, who, together with the previous deaths of Guillermón Moncada, Flor Crombet, José Martí and José Maceo, was added to the list of Cuban generals killed in this war, significantly affecting the military capacity of the Cubans.