Willie Boy, a Chemehuevi Indian from 29 Palms got caught up in what became "the last great manhunt of the Western era." He fell in love with his 16-year-old cousin, Carlota, and killed her father, William Mike, in what was undoubtedly a "crime of passion" or second-degree murder. Carlota was accidently killed by the pursuing posse on Sept. 30, 1909, shot in the back from a great distance here at the Pipes. Willie Boy had left her wearing his coat while he got more provisions. What started as a family tragedy quickly became a media event as Willie Boy was cast as a crazy, drunken wild indian hell-bent on murder, instead of a generally decent and well-meaning person whose life was destroyed by an evening of unfortunate circumstances and bad decisions.
The Pipes trailhead was badly damaged by fire but will likely re-open in the spring of 2008.
Pipes Rd, CA
Willie Boy's Hideout.
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