Outlaws & Criminals · 19th Century
Billy the Kid’s Last Words
“¿Quién es? (Who is it?)”— Billy the Kid, July 14, 1881
Who Was Billy the Kid?
Billy the Kid was the most famous outlaw of the American West. Born William H. Bonney, he was said to have killed 21 men (though the real number was closer to 8) before being shot at age 21.
The Final Moments
Billy the Kid was shot in the dark bedroom of a house in Fort Sumner, New Mexico by Sheriff Pat Garrett, who had been tipped off about his location. Billy entered asking in Spanish who was there.
Are These Words Verified?
Sheriff Pat Garrett, who shot Billy, was the only witness and documented this in his contemporaneous account. While self-serving, his account has been accepted by historians as credible.
Sources
- firsthand Pat Garrett, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid (1882)
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper accounts, July 1881
- biography Robert M. Utley, Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life (1989)
Legacy
Billy the Kid became the quintessential outlaw hero of the American West, inspiring dozens of films and books. His youth and violent death cemented his legend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Billy the Kid’s last words?
“¿Quién es? (Who is it?)”
How did Billy the Kid die?
Billy the Kid died on July 14, 1881 at the age of 21. Cause of death: Gunshot.
Were Billy the Kid’s last words documented?
Sheriff Pat Garrett, who shot Billy, was the only witness and documented this in his contemporaneous account. While self-serving, his account has been accepted by historians as credible.
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