history channel

Michelle · Newbie

history channel

Webmaster · Senior Member

Thank you for the heads up

texas_outlaw · Veteran Member

I'm so excited!

Mrconn · Newbie

I watched the story on the History Channel tonight and I learned a lot. Why won't the sheriff and the mayor allow the body to be exhumbed and the DNA matched up along with brushy Bill. Then we will once and for all know. The same thing is going on with John Wilkes Booth. As far as a pardon,I'm not sure about that. Killing is not a noble thing.

Webmaster · Senior Member

On my web page "The Controversy on the Billy the Kid DNA Investigation" you will learn why the DNA project is a bad idea and cannot be successfully done. DNA did not solve the Jesse James/Frank J. Dalton controversy and it certainly won't solve this one. All it will do is muddy the waters at the cost of historical cemetaries and monuments.

Webmaster · Senior Member

I saw the documentary and although the “historical” information was pretty accurate, it was very one-sided regarding the DNA investigation and only gave one point of view in “favor” of it and also incited the conspiracy surrounding the death of Billy the Kid instead of discrediting the false accusations and claims. It was unfair not to show both sides of the controversy, because there are plenty that oppose this investigation with better reasons then those that are conducting it. As for Sheriff Sullivan saying that Silver City and Fort Sumner are obstructing a criminal investigation –that’s nuts! A criminal investigation?! It’s more like an archaeological dig then a legitimate criminal case. These officers really have way too much time on their hands and should be focusing on serving their community as they are paid to do and not spending time and money chasing a dead outlaw they’ll never find. Speaking of money, where are they getting their funding? Why are they being so "hush hush" about it.

LorettaP · Veteran Member

I agree, it was accurate as far as history goes but it was very one sided, and didn't give details as to why a DNA test on Catherine and Billy would be futile.

Instead of being informative about the investigation, it felt more like an infomercial promoting Governor Richardson, and Sederwall and Sullivan, and Billy kind of took a backseat to them. I expected better from the History channel. I bought a copy of Saturday's Albuquerque Journal for the article on the documentary, and it was much of the same thing. It gave very little historical information and was published mainly to promote the documentary airing on Monday night.

And to think, I missed Orange County Choppers for that!

Webmaster · Senior Member

Oh I love that show! Reminds me of my family business (all the bickering) and Paul Jr. ain't bad lookin' either. Oops I'm getting off the subject here, if I go any further I'll have to take it to the "Small Talk" room.

But I agree, that BTK documentary was nothing short of a commerical for the DNA investigation and I was also disappointed in the History Channel; they're usually good about telling "both sides" of a controversy.

JettRink · Veteran Member

We just got to see this show last night not having
any cable, I have to wait for someone to send it
to me.
That was the first time I saw the sheriff of
Lincoln County, they still dress like that? I
agree witht the governor, I think he can grant
a pardon if he wants to.
They mentioned the floor and bones washed away,
but I would have to read the newspapers of the
day and see what section of the cemetery that
affected. I don't think Billy is buried where
they have the fence. Still there are families
there who have lived there since his time and
I'm sure someone today knows. In my books it
mentions tht Pat Garrett had a friend who wanted
to see Billy's grave and it took them a long time
to find it, sounds like there was no marker then
and I think, well it hd to be around 1905.
NOr did they mention Dr. Starrs investigation who
did such a great job with the jesse James
exhumation.

texas_outlaw · Veteran Member

This whole thing is REALLY messed up. I agree about the one-sidedness of the show's topic. Things sound like they are getting pretty ugly out there in New Mexico. Could ya'll be on the verge of another Lincoln County War?

Sorry. I just don't think Billy should be dug up. (I mean nobody really knows where he is.) I mean look at what happened with the Jesse James controversy.

JettRink · Veteran Member

The Jesse James Controversy was solved years
ago. I even looked up Meramac Caverns and I didn't
see where they mentioned their Jesse anymore.
At least he had a family that could prove the
DNA, whereas Billy doesn't. Though there may be
some who claim to be descendents, I haven't heard
of any.

theKID · Member

I agree about the show being one sided....It was supposed to be that way. It was showing the story from their point of view. Just the same as ya'll write that they should not dig him up... thats your view. I do belive that they should dig up the Kid. The whole Billy the Kid legend, myth, true story.... is so cool. How he baffled the old time sheriffs, and how everyone talked about him.... I wonder what he would think if he knew he was still confusing sheriffs, and governers, and just about everyone else?? The Kid escaped the truth before and he could easily do that again.. but I think they should try.

?Quien es?--theKID

Elizabeth · Member

I was also disappointed with the History Channel. But in my opinion, they were never quite as good as the Discovery Channel.

Anyway, I also believe that they should not dig up Billy. They don't know where he's buried at, and he should be able to rest in peace--not pieces. I think he's right outside of that jail-like cage--always managing to escape .

I wrote the governor a letter a while back expressing my opinion, but I honestly don't think he even read it (that doesn't surprise me in the least). He's probably recieved so many letters opposing his exhumation "plan" that he doesn't even read them.

texas_outlaw · Veteran Member

Do you think they will be able to grant Billy a pardon? I have think they should. He upheld his end of the bargain and deserves one.

CCOD · Member

I missed this show on the History Channel (I don't know how, I watch it quite a bit). Does anyone know if they will play it again anytime soon?