 1878 in New Mexico: John Tunstall picks up young gun men from the road to have them work on his ranch, but also to teach them reading and to civilize them. However he s a thorn in the side of the rich rancher Murphy, as he s a competitor in selling cattle. One day he s shot by Murphy s men. Judge Wilson can t do anything, since Sheriff Brady is one of Murphy s men. But attorney Alex persuades him to constitute Tunstall s young friends to Deputies and give them warrants of arrest for the murderers. Instead of arresting them, William Bonney just shoots them down. Soon the 5 guys become famous and William gets the name "Billie the Kid" - but they re also chased by dozens of Murphy s men and the army. The people however honor him as fighter for justice.