The Shooting of Billy the Kid

Originally Aired: April 28, 1952 Suspense #471, "The Shooting of Billy the Kid," presents the legendary outlaw's story from his own perspective. At just 18 years old, Billy reflects on his violent past, having already killed 16 men. The drama opens during the bloody Lincoln County War, where Billy and Charlie Boudra escape a burning house while their employer McSween is gunned down holding only his Bible. As Billy becomes a wanted man, he encounters Pat Garrett, a lanky stranger sent by New Mexico's new governor, General Lou Wallace, to bring him in. Despite the danger of returning to Lincoln with deputy Bob Olinger waiting to kill him, Billy accepts the governor's offer of a pardon in exchange for standing trial. The narrative then jumps forward as Billy and Pat develop an unlikely friendship while Billy hides out near Fort Sumner. Their relationship takes on deeper significance as tension builds in Jose Valdez's saloon, where Billy encounters Joe Grant, a dangerous gunman from Texas looking to make his reputation by killing the famous outlaw. The story examines the complex bonds formed in the violent West, where today's friend could become tomorrow's enemy.