Killers and Outlaws

Betty Sue Gains' father was the first farmer killed in the Mesilla Valley land stealing scheme. She went to the law, but Sheriff Brady Cole couldn't cross to the east side of the Rio Grande to bring those men to justice. U S Marshal Shorty Thompson was sent for, but had not yet arrived. Alone, with no mother or father, she couldn't take care of the farm alone. Fortunately, the Carter family took her in. Fourteen-year old Betty Sue visited, Leslie Trousdale, an ex-lawman, and convinced him to teach her how to use the forty-five she wore on her right hip. She had already brought down several of the outlaws with her .44.40 Winchester repeating rifle, as well as the Las Cruces Sheriff, but more would soon follow. Jody Carter, her best friend, asked her to marry him. "The day I turn eighteen," she said. "And not one minute before!"