Richardson Considers Pardon for Billy the Kid

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is considering a pardon for ?Billy the Kid? but the grand-nephew of the sheriff who killed the outlaw is speaking out against this idea.

William Garrett said he doesn’t know what Richardson is trying to prove.

“Why give a pardon to a killer?? Garrett said. ?Nuh-uh, no dice, that doesn’t compute.”

Garrett said the idea of Richardson forgiving William Bonney, or ?Billy the Kid,? of his legendary killing spree boils his blood because his great-uncle, Sheriff Pat Garrett, caught and killed The Kid.

“Here you are, you have documented proof without a doubt you cannot change history, it simply doesn’t work,? Garrett said. ?You cannot change your history, Governor.”

Garrett said he doesn’t see any just reason for a pardon.

“I don?t see the logic and I don?t see the motivation behind it,” said Garrett.

Garrett said he believes Billy the Kid killed five people — one of whom was Garrett?s relative. He said pardoning the notorious outlaw would betray his family.

“He isn’t really taking an approach to Pat so much but the entire focal point is law enforcement,” said Garrett.

Inside his home, a shrine adorned with badges and Pat Garrett?s picture is how Garrett honors the work his great uncle did in finding Billy the Kid. Since the sheriff cannot speak for himself, Garrett said he feels it’s his responsibility to protect his great uncle?s reputation.

“A voice cries out from the grave,” Garrett said. “Set it right.”

Garrett said what he really wants is the governor to understand that the sheriff?s integrity is at stake.

“What are you going to do when someone is taking, if you will with lack of a better word, hot shots at your family,? Garrett said. ?Are you not going to be somewhat uncomfortable about that?”

Some suggest Richardson?s recent attention to Billy the Kid is little more than a tourism ploy. But Garrett said the governor needs to stick to the facts.

It is not known when or if Richardson will make a decision about a pardon before he leaves office at the end of the year.