Story perspectives

Today in History: Sheriff Pat Garrett kills Billy the Kid

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On July 14, 1881, sheriff Pat Garrett shot outlaw Billy the Kid—born Henry McCarty—in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, ending the gunfighter’s flight from a death sentence. The Kid, linked to nine murders and the Lincoln County War, fell at the hands of the lawman who once served as Lincoln County sheriff.

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Story summary

On July 14, 1881, sheriff Pat Garrett shot outlaw Billy the Kid—born Henry McCarty—in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, ending the gunfighter’s flight from a death sentence. The Kid, linked to nine murders and the Lincoln County War, fell at the hands of the lawman who once served as Lincoln County sheriff.