The Kid’s Comeuppance

Pat Garrett takes down Billy

July 14, 1881. Billy the Kid had come to the Maxwell house at Fort Sumner to cut a slice of meat. He was barefooted, carrying his pistol and a knife. He noticed the door to Pete Maxwell’s bedroom was slightly open and he entered. Pat Garrett was inside, talking with Maxwell. In the darkness, Billy he failed to recognize Garrett; he asked “Quien es?” or “Who is it?” Garrett recognized the voice and fired twice. The first bullet lodged in his chest, just above the heart, fatally wounding the Kid. The second shot missed.