In 1950 an elderly man going by the alias of Oliver L. Roberts accompanied by his legal representative appeared before the Governor of New Mexico requesting a pardon for crimes committed circa 1880.  The old man nicknamed “Brushy Bill” was claiming to actually be the surviving desperado “Billy The Kid”.  While meeting with the Governor he suffered a mild stroke and was unable to convince anyone as to the truth of his claim.  The Governor denied the request as he did not believe “Brushy Bill” was really William H. Bonney, alias “Billy The Kid”.  In December of 1950, Brushy fell dead of a heart attack on the streets of Hico, Texas. 

The story was somewhat dismissed until the movie “Young Guns II” depicted Brushy as the narrator of the events surrounding the life and times of Billy The Kid and the Lincoln County War.  More books were written on the mystery and researchers began exploring whether Brushy’s claim might have actually been true.  The debate has raged to this day including several failed attempts to obtain permission for exhumation and DNA testing.  Still no one has found absolute proof of the facts one way or the other. 

While there is no claim of proof herein, it is the firm belief of the author of this website that Brushy Bill Roberts was indeed the legendary “Billy The Kid”.  By comparing photographs, handwriting and eye witness reports, I will attempt to demonstrate the basis of that belief.  Because knowing the truth is important.

I invite you to examine the evidence.  Choose from the menus to view sections of interest or simply click the gun each time you come to one and you’ll be taken through all the pages in the suggested viewing order.