A reader of my books recently contacted me with an observation I have been asked about several times. He pointed out that the only verified photograph of the outlaw, Billy the Kid, was a tintype, and because of that particular technique, the image was reversed. This being the case, the Kid appeared as if he were left-handed instead of right-handed. This interpretation of the tintype has, in fact, caused many people to believe over the years, erroneously, that the outlaw was left-handed. The reader went on to point out that William Henry Roberts, the man who some researchers are convinced was Billy the Kid, claimed to be left-handed because of his misinterpretation of the photograph.

    This observation was derived from Roberts’ response to a question he received back during the 1940s when an interviewer asked if he shot a handgun left-handed. Roberts replied that he did. This led the interviewer to subsequently report that Roberts claimed to be left-handed. The truth was, however, that Roberts could shoot, and quite accurately, with both hands.  He was ambidextrous, and proved to be an excellent shot with both hands as he demonstrated for another interviewer, William V. Morrison. Roberts’ skill with firearms using both hands was also verified by others who knew him.

    In the final analysis, Roberts was telling the truth, not only about this particular issue but many others as they related to the Lincoln County War and the life of Billy the Kid.

    For more information and insight on the most up-to-date findings on the outlaw, Billy the Kid, see Billy the Kid: Beyond the Grave (W.C. Jameson, Taylor Trade Publishing) and Billy the Kid: The Lost Interviews (A Garlic Press Publishing Company E-Book) obtainable from this website or from www.BillytheKid-outlaw.com.