Gov. Richardson Mulls Billy the Kid Pardon
United Press International
Dec 20, 2010
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he is weighing a petition to pardon infamous Wild West outlaw Billy the Kid.
The Democratic governor, who is leaving office at the end of the year, said Thursday he will accept written comments from the public for the next 10 days and will make a final decision on the potential pardon Dec. 31, the Albuquerque Journal reported Friday.
Albuquerque trial lawyer Randi McGinn, the wife of New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels, was designated to review the case of the Billy the Kid, real name Henry McCarty, and submitted the pardon petition after completing her research.
"There's no deal or any fix in," McGinn said. "(Richardson) said to me, 'You can submit this, but I'm not promising anything.'"
"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 by Territorial Gov. Lew Wallace," 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 making any decision."
Billy the Kid was shot and killed by authorities in 1881.
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