Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid, a notorious figure in the Wild West, was known for his alleged involvement in multiple killings during his short life. The official account states that he was born as William Bonney in New York City in 1859, and later became involved in the Lincoln County Cattle War in New Mexico, where he received a death sentence for the murder of Sheriff William Brady. However, a controversial theory suggests that Billy the Kid may have faked his own death. This article delves into the intriguing story surrounding Billy the Kid's alleged demise and the claims made by a man named Brushy Bill Roberts.

The Enigma of Billy the Kid:

According to historical records, Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett tracked down Billy the Kid in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, in July 1881 and killed him, after which he was buried the following day. However, some individuals challenge this narrative, claiming that Billy the Kid buried in that grave was not the real outlaw. One of these individuals was Brushy Bill Roberts, a man from Texas who came forward 68 years after Billy's reported death, asserting that he was, in fact, Billy the Kid.

Investigating Brushy Bill's Claim:

Although many historians dismiss Brushy Bill's story, there is evidence supporting his claim. In 1948, attorney William Morrison was informed that Billy the Kid may not have died in 1881. Intrigued by this revelation, Morrison embarked on his own investigation, interviewing elderly individuals across the West who believed Billy was still alive, going by the name "Brushy" Bill Roberts. In 1949, Morrison confronted Brushy Bill in person in Hico, Texas, seeking confirmation of the rumors. Brushy Bill, initially hesitant, eventually admitted to being Billy the Kid and requested Morrison's help in obtaining the official pardon promised to him by New Mexico's governor in 1879.

The Scars and Affidavits:

To prove his identity, Brushy Bill showed Morrison scars that matched those of Billy the Kid, acquired during his time as an outlaw. Furthermore, Brushy Bill guided Morrison through several locations connected to Billy's past in Lincoln County. Morrison, convinced by this evidence, contacted five individuals who had known Billy the Kid during the Lincoln County War. Each of them met Brushy Bill separately and signed sworn affidavits affirming that Brushy Bill Roberts was indeed Billy the Kid.

The Night of the Shooting:

Brushy Bill provided a different account of the night when Billy the Kid was supposedly killed. According to him, he was at Jesus Silva's house with his girlfriend, Celsa, and his partner Billy Barlow, unaware that Pat Garrett and his posse were waiting nearby. In the ensuing gunfire, Barlow was fatally shot, while Billy the Kid sustained wounds to his head and shoulder, losing consciousness from the pain. He awoke the next morning under Celsa's care, who informed him that Barlow had been buried in his place.

Governor's Refusal and Brushy Bill's Fate:

In 1950, William Morrison believed he had amassed enough evidence to request a pardon for Brushy Bill from Governor Mabry of New Mexico. However, the meeting turned into a media spectacle, with Brushy Bill, then 90 years old, feeling overwhelmed and frightened by the crowd of reporters. Unfortunately, the governor dismissed Brushy Bill's claims without giving him a chance to present the evidence, leading to frustration and humiliation. Shortly after the meeting, Brushy Bill suffered a fatal heart attack on a street in Hico, Texas.

The Legacy of Brushy Bill Roberts:

Despite the lack of official recognition, Brushy Bill's friends and neighbors believed in his claims and erected a memorial in his honor. The inscription reads, "…he spent the last days of his life trying to prove to the world his true identity. We believe his story and pray to God for the forgiveness he solemnly asked for."

Conclusion:

The mystery surrounding Billy the Kid's death and the claims made by Brushy Bill Roberts continue to intrigue and divide historians. While some dismiss Brushy Bill's account as mere fabrication, others find the evidence he presented compelling. Whether Billy the Kid faked his own death or not remains an enigma of the Wild West, a legend that still captivates the imagination of many today.