Garrett was an acquaintance of Billy the Kid, he had even tended bar in Fort Sumner’s most popular saloon.  6’ 6”, and powerfully built, Garrett ran as an alternative to the current lawlessness in Northern New Mexico.  Federal authorities were also intent on cracking down on rampant counterfeiting through the efforts of Treasury Agent Azariah Wild, transferred to New Mexico from New Orleans.  Wild eventually deputized Garrett, as well as other locals, including Bob Olinger, to aid him in the pursuit of individuals believed involved in this scam, including Billy the Kid.  In late 1880, robbery of the US Mail wagon in the Fort Sumner area was tied to the Kid as well.  This behavior shredded the tolerance of many Fort Sumner area residents, who increasingly viewed Billy the Kid as a lawless menace, necessitating apprehension.  His notoriety was discussed in the region’s newspapers, infamy that was eventually written up in the New York Sun, the first publication to designate him with the nickname, “Billy the Kid.”

As Bob Olinger opened the gate at the side of the structure, he heard a voice coming from the nearest window on the second floor.  Looking up, the last thing he ever saw was Billy the Kid holding Olinger’s own gun, the shotgun that the deputy repeatedly taunted Billy with.  Billy the Kid poked the weapon out of the window and after greeting his jailer by simply stating “Hello, Bob,” he pulled the triggers on both barrels.  Olinger was killed instantly by the massive blast.