New Mexico governor to weigh Billy the Kid pardon

[JonLP24]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Billy the Kid, the Wild West outlaw who is reputed to have killed 21 men and whose exploits have been widely chronicled in U.S. popular culture, is under consideration for a pardon.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said on Thursday he was reviewing a pardon petition based on the widespread belief that New Mexico territorial Governor Lew Wallace promised the 19th century gunman a pardon in exchange for his testimony in a murder trial.

"As someone who is fascinated with New Mexico's rich history, I've always been intrigued by the story of Billy the Kid and, in particular, the alleged promise of a pardon he was given," Richardson said in a statement.

"I will diligently review this new petition and all the facts available regarding an agreement between Billy the Kid and Governor Wallace before rendering any decision," Richardson said, adding he would decide by the end of the year.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BG3MQ20101217?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FoddlyEnoughNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Oddly+Enough%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

[Demeter]

1. It's Better Than Dealing With Present Reality

[Hugin]

4. Did you miss the part about Gov Richardson being in NK today?

Pretty present day reality there, I'd say.

[El Supremo]

2. Lew Wallace was writing Ben Hur at this time.

Maybe he was preoccupied.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. If Jim Morrison can get a pardon, we might as well hope for one for Billy the Kid, too.

[hatrack]

5. But what about Blackbeard, damnit?!?!?

It's enough to make you say "Aaaarrr!!"

[Lance_Boyle]

6. Is there also a retroactive murder charge for Pat Garrett in the works?

Such important business to be dealing with, Gov. Richardson...

[davidthegnome]

7. Ugh

I'm sure Billy appreciates it, or would if he were still alive, or if it mattered.