Tell Them Willie Boy Was Here

The true story behind the movie.

“The Last Great Manhunt” involved a Southern Paiute called Willie Boy. He was courting his cousin Carlota in California in 1909. Her parents objected. During an argument, Willie Boy shot and killed Carlota’s father—either by accident or in self-defense. A posse took out after the couple. It’s believed they killed Carlota, probably unintentionally. After holding off his pursuers, Willie Boy killed himself. At least that’s what White authorities said. Indians claimed he escaped to live out his life in the Southwest.