Billy The Kid, born Henry McCarty in 1859, was an infamous American outlaw and gunfighter in the American West. He became known for his involvement in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico and was reputed to have killed eight men. His life was marked by a series of escapades and confrontations with law enforcement. Despite his criminal activities, Billy The Kid gained a legendary status in American folklore. He was captured and escaped from jail multiple times before being shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881. His story has inspired numerous books, films, and songs, solidifying his place in Western history.