The Untold Secrets: Revealing the Shocking Truth Behind Billy The Kid's Legend

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Billy the Kid.

Summary

The MGM+ series Billy the Kid creatively reimagines the historical narrative of the outlaw's life, incorporating imaginative elements to fill in missing details. Notably, significant events like the tragic demise of Billy's brother Joe McCarty and the role of John Riley in the killing of James Dolan diverge from established historical accounts.

The portrayal of the friendship between Billy and Tom O'Folliard in the MGM+ series Billy the Kid is not accurate. O'Folliard did not become friends with Billy until after the murder of John Tunstall.

The true story of Billy the Kid primarily revolves around his numerous crimes, murders, and his legacy as a notorious fugitive during his relatively short life of 21 years. History has portrayed Billy the Kid in a sympathetic light, recognizing him as a product of circumstances, misfortune, and the social dynamics of the Old American West. In season 2, episode 1 of Billy the Kid, there is a compelling portrayal of how Billy's change of heart and growing moral consciousness caused him to distance himself from his long-time comrade Jesse Evans, months before the violent Lincoln County War. While the MGM+ series remains true to many of the significant historical events associated with Billy the Kid's legacy, certain elements have been altered to suit the narrative of the show.

8 Billy's Brother Joe McCarty Didn't Die Until 1930

A major factual error in Billy the Kid can be found in season 1, where the character Joseph, portrayed as Billy's younger brother, is depicted dying from "consumption" or tuberculosis. However, Joseph, who some sources claim to be Billy's cousin, did not actually meet such a fate in real life. Instead, Joseph McCarty lived until 1930, albeit facing a challenging existence as a wanderer, eventually passing away in solitude at the age of 67 in Denver, Colorado. It is likely that the MGM+ series chose to eliminate Joe's character to make Billy the Kid more sympathetic and to avoid emphasizing the real Billy's abandonment of his younger relative.

7 John Riley Didn't Kill James Dolan In Real Life

6 Tom O'Folliard Didn't Join Billy The Kid Until After Tunstall's Death

In one of the most shocking twists in Billy the Kid season 2, a scene unfolds where John Riley mercilessly guns down James Dolan in front of Lawrence Murphy, a prominent member of the Santa Fe Ring. Contrary to the show's portrayal, Dolan was actually Murphy's trusted right-hand man and business partner, instrumental in establishing a monopoly over goods and services in Lincoln County and amassing great wealth for both of them. Additionally, Dolan played a major role in instigating the infamous Lincoln County War, but in the MGM+ series, this responsibility is inaccurately attributed to the hot-headed John Riley. While Riley did support Murphy, he never committed the murder of Dolan in real life.

After his introduction in the season 2 premiere of Billy the Kid, Tom O'Folliard eventually becomes Billy's best friend and sidekick when he joins the Regulators. However, it's important to note that O'Folliard didn't meet Billy until after the Jesse Evans Gang, commanded by the Murphy-Dolan faction, cold-bloodedly murdered John Tunstall. The Regulators were also formed after Tunstall's death, as they sought to deputize themselves in response to the murder. While O'Folliard does become a loyal ally to Billy, the MGM+ series prematurely portrays their fateful friendship.

5 Pat Garrett Didn't Give Billy The Kid His Legendary Nickname

Pat Garrett is initially introduced as a member of the Jesse Evans Gang in the first season of Billy the Kid. However, he undergoes a significant transformation and ultimately becomes a renowned lawman who ultimately brings about Billy's demise. In one noteworthy scene of Billy the Kid season 1, Garrett, while still in custody, writes a letter to Evans and Billy, notifying them that he has assumed the role of a lawman in order to guarantee his own freedom. Prior to this moment, it is depicted in Billy the Kid season 1 that Garrett affectionately bestows upon Bonney the iconic nickname "Billy the Kid." Historical records indicate that this moniker gained popularity through the press once Bonney had solidified his reputation as a dangerous fugitive and was not actually coined by his future killer, Pat Garrett.

4 Billy The Kid's Real-Life Love Interest Was Named Paulita Maxwell

In season 1 of Billy the Kid, the notorious outlaw finds himself entangled with three different love interests, including Jesse Evan's unwitting girlfriend. Towards the end of the season, Billy crosses paths with the captivating Dulcinea Del Tobosco, laying the foundation for their blossoming romance in season 2. Despite rumors of countless romantic entanglements, none were as well-documented as Billy's relationship with Paulita Maxwell, a character yet to make an appearance in the MGM+ series. Interestingly, it was Maxwell who managed to capture one of the rare snapshots of Billy the Kid, although she expressed dissatisfaction with the image as it failed to truly capture his likeness (via PBS).

3 Billy The Kid's Mentor Old Moss Didn't Exist In Real Life

Old Moss is recognized for instructing Young Billy on pistol shooting in season 1 of Billy the Kid. Additionally, in the early episodes of the MGM+ series, he displayed immense bravery by risking his life to transport Billy and his economically disadvantaged family from New York City to the Old West. However, historical records fail to confirm the existence of a father figure named Moss in Billy's life. It is widely acknowledged that John Tunstall served as a significant source of inspiration and guidance for Billy, particularly since his biological father, Patrick McCarty, passed away under ambiguous circumstances during Billy's childhood. In the season 2 premiere of Billy the Kid, Moss reemerged to offer Billy a precautionary message preceding the commencement of the Lincoln County War.

2 Billy Sought Refuge At Antrim's House After First Escape From Jail

Billy's stepfather, Antrim, was far from being a nurturing figure for the young fugitive. After their mother Catherine's passing, he deserted Billy and Joe. However, in the MGM+ series, Antrim is portrayed as a desperate, failed businessman who tries to swindle Billy and nearly meets his demise. In reality, it was Billy who sought out Antrim's aid after his initial encounter with the law. Billy was imprisoned for theft but managed to escape, as depicted in Billy the Kid. Surprisingly, Antrim's home became Billy's first refuge as a fugitive. Antrim allowed him to stay until he discovered that Billy was pilfering from him, ultimately ejecting him indefinitely.

1 Billy Robbed A Chinese Laundry With Sombrero Jack, Not Jesse Evans

One of the most thrilling and unforgettable scenes in season 1 of Billy the Kid showcased Jesse Evans and Billy the Kid attempting to rob a local Chinese laundry shop. Although Billy was ultimately apprehended for this crime, it was not Jesse Evans who partnered with him, but rather another criminal known as Sombrero Jack. Sombrero Jack, whose real name was George Shaefer, was one of Billy's earliest negative influences that lured him into a life of crime. While Jesse is often given credit for leading Billy astray in Billy the Kid, it is important to note that other thieves and outlaws like Sombrero Jack played an equally, if not more, significant role.