US | Bill Richardson Billy the Kid May Finally Get His Pardon New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will decide by year's end By Evann Gastaldo Posted Dec 20, 2010 8:09 AM CST Copied 1881: Wild West criminal Billy the Kid (1859 - 1881) meets his end at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (Getty Images) See 1 more photo One of Bill Richardson’s last acts as New Mexico governor could be pardoning Billy the Kid. He’s reviewing a petition to pardon the famed outlaw—killed in 1881 after reportedly killing 21 men—which is based on the claim that Governor Lew Walllace promised the Wild West folk hero a pardon in exchange for testifying at 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. He will make a decision by the end of the year, Reuters reports. Click for more on Billy the Kid’s looming pardon—and why some aren’t happy about it. Read These Next Obituary reveals teacher's same-sex marriage, and he's fired. Firefighters 'didn't have a chance' in Idaho ambush. Teen Motocross star repeatedly 'run over' at event. Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. See 1 more photo Report an error