# Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid was an American frontier outlaw who participated in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico Territory and became one of the most mythologized figures of the American West, credited with killing eight men, though historians debate the precise number. He was captured by Sheriff Pat Garrett in December 1880, convicted of murder, and sentenced to hang, but escaped from the Lincoln County Jail in April 1881, killing two deputies. He was tracked down and killed by Garrett at Fort Sumner, New Mexico Territory, on July 14, 1881, at approximately 21 years of age.

## Quick Facts

- **Born:** November 23, 1859
- **Birthplace:** New York City, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Occupation:** Outlaw / Robbery
- **Category:** Criminals
- **Also Known As:** Billy the Kid, William H. Bonney, El Chivato

## Overview

Billy the Kid was an American frontier outlaw who participated in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico Territory and became one of the most mythologized figures of the American West, credited with killing eight men, though historians debate the precise number. He was captured by Sheriff Pat Garrett in December 1880, convicted of murder, and sentenced to hang, but escaped from the Lincoln County Jail in April 1881, killing two deputies. He was tracked down and killed by Garrett at Fort Sumner, New Mexico Territory, on July 14, 1881, at approximately 21 years of age.

## Profile Focus

Billy the Kid is profiled in Peoplebio under Outlaw / Robbery. Current rank signal: #467. Trend score: 0.

## Public Impact

This entry tracks Billy the Kid's relevance in Crime History using structured profile metadata, trend signals, and ongoing editorial updates.

## Timeline

### 1859 — Birth
Born in New York City, United States

### 2026 — Profile Created
Billy the Kid was added to the Peoplebio knowledge graph.

### 2026 — Profile Enrichment Update
Bio sections, timeline, quick facts, and profile notes were expanded.

## Quotes

> "Profile note: Billy the Kid is tracked in Peoplebio for impact in Outlaw / Robbery."
> — Billy the Kid, Peoplebio editorial note (2026)

> "Profile summary: Billy the Kid was an American frontier outlaw who participated in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico Territory and became one of the most mythologized figures of the American West, credited with killing eight men, though historians debate the precise number."
> — Billy the Kid, Peoplebio editorial note (2026)

> "Editorial note: This profile was enriched with structured overview blocks."
> — Billy the Kid, Peoplebio editorial note (2026)

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Source: https://peoplebio.info/p/billy-the-kid