His first crime is stealing clothing and guns

One of the interesting facts about Billy the Kid is that his first crime is stealing clothing and guns. When McCarty's mother died, he was 15 years old. In exchange for labor, Sarah Brown, the owner of a boarding house, provided him with accommodation and board. McCarty was arrested for stealing food on September 16, 1875. McCarty and George Schaefer stole a Chinese laundry ten days later, seizing garments and two firearms. McCarty was arrested and charged with theft. He fled two days later and became a fugitive, according to the Silver City Herald, which published the first story about him the next day. McCarty tracked down his stepfather and remained with him until Antrim evicted him; McCarty stole clothing and guns from him. It was the last time the two of them saw each other.

McCarty moved to southeastern Arizona Territory after leaving Antrim, where he worked as a ranch hand and spent his wages in adjacent gaming halls. Henry Hooker, a well-known rancher, recruited him as a ranch hand in 1876. During this period, McCarty met John R. Mackie, a Scottish-born criminal and former US Cavalry private who lingered near the US Army garrison at Camp Grant in Arizona after his discharge. Soon after, the two men began stealing horses from the local military. Because of his youth, tiny build, clean-shaven appearance, and disposition, McCarty earned the moniker "Kid Antrim".