Newly elected sheriff Pat Garrett is gunned down in the dark during an express office robbery. Deputy Johnny Swift believes the shooter is Billy the Kid. With Pat unconsious and the town out for blood, Billy must prove he is innocent. His only friend is his girlfriend ,Maria, and the two work on a daring plan to bring in the guilty parties.

Marshall Ben Hartley comes to Lincoln to arrest Billy Bonney for the murder of his 12 yeaar old daughter in Prescott., Az. Pat initially helps Hartley arrest Billy but becomes suspicious when Hartley uses unorthodox and vicious methods to deal with Billy. When it becomes obvious that Hartley is out for revenge and not justice, Pat decides to ride along to Billy's trial in Prescott.