Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty and later known as William H. Bonney, was an iconic figure of the American Old West known for his criminal exploits and legendary status as a gunslinger. His life was marked by his involvement in various conflicts, including the Lincoln County War, which pitted rival factions against each other in New Mexico. Throughout his two decades, he became infamous for his daring escapes from law enforcement and his ability to elude capture, developing a reputation as a folk hero among some. This status, however, attracted relentless pursuit from lawmen, particularly Sheriff Pat Garrett, who was determined to stop his criminal activities.

On the night of the confrontation, Garrett found Billy the Kid at the Maxwell House, a small boarding house in Fort Sumner. After tracking him down, Garrett entered the establishment where he discovered the outlaw. In a tense moment, as the Kid was reportedly unarmed, Garrett drew his weapon and fired. The shot struck Billy, resulting in his death and effectively ending his storied life of crime at the age of approximately 21. This marked a turning point in the portrayal of outlaws in American culture, as Billy the Kid was immortalized in folklore, literature, and later film.