The real story behind this infamous Billy the Kid photo

Back in 2015, a small, dusty photo bought for just $2 at a flea market sparked a frenzy. Randy Guijarro, the buyer, believed his humble purchase might show none other than the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid. The Wild West figure’s fame has endured for generations, with his story fueling movies, books, and countless retellings of a time when outlaws roamed freely.

So when Guijarro’s find began to circulate, the world paid attention. Experts even suggested the photograph could be worth millions, as genuine photos of Billy the Kid are extraordinarily rare, and one of them, called the “Dedrick tintype,” sold for $2.3 million in 2011.

To appreciate the photo’s potential, you have to understand why Billy the Kid still captivates imaginations. His story is one of rebellion, hardship, and the rough landscapes of the American West. Billy, with his rugged clothes, trademark hat, and Colt revolver, remains an icon of the Wild West.

His images are few and far between, with most preserved through meticulous documentation and careful tracing of ownership. However, verifying historical photos like Guijarro’s isn’t simple. Each claim must pass rigorous scrutiny, involving not just facial recognition but a clear “provenance” trail—proof of where the photo has been and who’s owned it.

But as soon as the buzz began, skeptics also joined the conversation. Some experts doubted the photo’s authenticity, suggesting the media hype was partially fueled by a National Geographic documentary.

This documentary argued the photo was genuine, presenting evidence that it depicted Billy playing croquet with friends in 1878, but it left some experts unconvinced.

Wild West historian Robert Utley argued that hopes and imagination often lead people to see Billy in photos without credible proof, and California historian John Boessenecker was another vocal critic. Both believed the photo lacked sufficient evidence to tie it definitively to Billy the Kid.

Although the auction house Kagin’s valued the photo at $5 million, it remains unsold. To this day, there’s no final word on whether the young man in Guijarro’s image is truly Billy.

Some say if the photo was genuinely linked to the notorious outlaw, collectors would have eagerly claimed it. Yet, the image remains a haunting reminder of a time long past—a story open to interpretation.

Whether it’s real or not, the photo pulls people back to an era filled with grit and legend, where stories of outlaws like Billy the Kid still capture the imagination. What do you think? Could this be Billy, or is it our fascination with his legend that makes us want to believe it? Share your thoughts below!