Born in New York City, U.S. (Most sources point to the city, though the exact date is disputed) .

His mother, Catherine McCarty, dies of tuberculosis in Silver City, New Mexico. He is orphaned and begins a life of petty crime .

Arrested for stealing food. Ten days later, he robs a Chinese laundry, is jailed, and escapes within two days, becoming a fugitive .

Kills blacksmith Frank "Windy" Cahill during a fight at a saloon in Camp Grant, Arizona. This is his first known murder, and he flees back to New Mexico .

Joins the "Regulators" and participates in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. The conflict escalates when Sheriff William J. Brady is killed in an ambush on April 1, for which Billy is later charged .

Captured by Sheriff Pat Garrett after a manhunt. He is convicted of murder in April 1881 and sentenced to hang .

Escapes from jail in Lincoln, New Mexico, killing two deputies in the process. He remains at large for over two months .

Died in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, U.S. Sheriff Pat Garrett ambushes and shoots him at the ranch home of Pete Maxwell .