Serial Killer Denied Pardon More Than a Century After His Death

It is not unusual for sitting presidents or governors to issue a series of pardons during their final days in office. These acts are often controversial , as they may involve forgiving serious crimes or seem to be showing favoritism to political allies or even family members or friends. But, what about the question of whether or not to pardon a serial killer who has been dead for more than a century? Governor Bill Richardson decided to tackle this debate and left us guessing until the last day of 2010 as to his decision.

Richardson considered the idea of pardoning Billy the Kid, whose given name was Henry McCarty , who had been indicted in the killing of Sheriff William Brady on April 1, 1878. The pardon was seen as a viable possibility based on the reports that former Governor Lew Wallace promised to clear McCarty of the charges if he promised to testify regarding other crimes about which he had knowledge. For reasons that are not clear, Wallace never followed through with the deal. Billy the Kid escaped custody with the help of some friends and went on to kill again before being shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881 and the age of twenty-one.

In the end, Governor Richardson did not offer the posthumous pardon , stating that there was too much "historical ambiguity" regarding the immunity deal and the subsequent fallout that occurred between Billy the Kid and Governor Wallace.

Billy the Kid has become part of American culture, as he has been featured in countless songs, movies, and books. Our collective fascination with these violent outlaws is undeniable. Why do you think a character such as Billy the Kid sparks our imagination and expression long after his death?