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Billy the Kid Faces The Law... Again

Posted by simoniker on from the dna-test-on-billy-the-fish-inconclusive dept.

Jason Raddin writes "MSNBC.com has an interesting story about a new showdown in the Old West. It seems as if Billy the Kid can still cause problems for the law-men of New Mexico, even as he rests in his grave. Several small New Mexico towns claim to possess the "true" grave of Billy the Kid (a.k.a. William H. Bonney, Henry McCarty, Kid Antrim). Two sheriffs in Capitan, New Mexico have proposed that this mystery be solved using modern DNA testing. The proposal was made in June to exhume the remains of Bonney's mother and the two reported graves of Bonney. This has spurred a hot legal debate raising an interesting question: which is more important, tourist dollars or the truth?"

3 of 274 comments (clear)

  1. What about... by Stile+65 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ...the rights of the dead buried people that they're digging up?

    Who owns those plots of land? Do dead bodies automatically become the property of the state?

    --
    I claim first use of "Error No. 0B" - or "No. 0B error." It'll be the new ID 10T!
  2. Possible problem with the truth... by gloth · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What if they do the DNA tests and it turns out that Billy the Kid isn't in either of those graves?

  3. Re:New Mexico...for tourism? by Andurin · · Score: 4, Interesting
    I actually live in Silver City. I was born and raised here. What I can assure all of you is that this story has been around (my intial report in June) for awhile, and the reason it hasn't been settled yet is because we like to fight about everything. The local paper has been covering the story, if you want another perspective on things:
    They include the statement that Catherine Antrim, buried in Memory Lane Cemetery, has a "legal right to repose in her grave"; Silver City is charged with the management of the cemetery; the town is "empowered to preserve and protect historical landmarks within its jurisdiction, including Catherine Antrim's grave site, under the Historic District and Landmark Act,"; and the town must protect the dignity of "those interred on its public grounds."
    However, as far as tourism goes, NM does have alot to offer. No flashy lights or big buidlings, but we have National Monuments, Parks, and Forests, along with countless state monuments and parks. Perhaps you might want to check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings, or the City of Rocks, or take a tour of ghost towns. You can do all three within an hour and a half drive from Silver City. We have thirty-three art galleries downtown, access to just about any outdoor activity you can think of, and host the Tour of the Gila, a prominent cycling road race, every spring. And that's just Silver City.

    I certainly agree that this might be getting a little too much attention. However, I think it might be taking it a little far to think that Silver City is trying to rationalize its existence on the fact that Billy the Kid's mom is buried here. In fact, aside from post cards, I've never really seen any Billy the Kid merchandise. Maybe I should go into business.