Billy Kelly, around 20 years old in 1887, was the son of William and Kate Kelly, growing up on the gritty frontier. In 1869, the family left the Pennsylvania mountains for Kansas before finally settling in "No Man’s Land" (present-day Oklahoma Panhandle). Daily life was rough, western cattle work, migration, survival. The family, though illiterate, blended seemingly into rural life, running a tavern where weary travelers would stop. Billy helped run the place, learning early how to charm strangers and keep secrets.

From August to December 1887, Billy Kelly was at the heart of a gruesome crime spree that unfolded near Oak City in what was then known as "No Man's Land" (today the Oklahoma Panhandle). Billy, his father William, mother Kate, and sister Kit presented a humble facade, running a tavern and cattle business but under that front, they built a murderous operation targeting wealthy travelers. All members were believed to be complicit, with Billy luring victims into their trap-laden tavern.

In December 1887, the family abruptly abandoned their home. Concerned, a traveler familiar with the place, S. T. Gregg entered the tavern and was slammed by a nauseating stench. He discovered a hidden trapdoor; below it lay three badly decomposed bodies. Gregg wasted no time alerting the locals. A posse then arrived, led by a cowboy known only as “Texy.” As they dug near the barn, they uncovered more victims, one with a shattered skull, likely beaten with an axe, and seven additional bodies, two of which were women. Most were beyond recognition, though three were identified by their clothing: cattleman Jim Coven, Chicago salesman J. T. Taylor, and a Texas merchant named Johnson. A rusty, blood-stained axe, Billy’s grim calling card was also found. 

When the posse tracked the family through Palo Duro Creek, it sparked a violent chase. Kate died accidentally when her horse tripped then she broke her neck and was abandoned. Billy and Kit were captured half an hour later. Kit pleaded for mercy but Billy silenced her, insisting she was just as guilty, and told the posse, “find out for yourselves.” The pair were hung on the spot by vigilantes.