The exact answer to who shot Johnny Ringo remains a subject of historical debate and conflicting accounts, as no single definitive killer has been universally accepted. While the official verdict leaned towards suicide, several prominent theories and claims persist regarding his death.
The Official Verdict and Initial Findings
Upon the discovery of Johnny Ringo's body on July 13, 1882, the official ruling by a justice of the peace and a coroner's jury was suicide. He was found in Turkey Creek Canyon, Arizona Territory, with a gunshot wound to his head. This verdict suggests that Ringo, known for his volatile nature and struggles with alcoholism, took his own life.
Contending Claims and Theories
Despite the official finding, various individuals and historical accounts propose alternative explanations for Ringo's demise. These theories highlight the turbulent era of the Old West and Ringo's numerous adversaries.
- Wyatt Earp's Claim: Years after Ringo's death, the famous lawman Wyatt Earp himself claimed to have been the one who shot Johnny Ringo. Earp's assertion adds a dramatic twist, suggesting a continuation of the intense rivalries from the Earp-Clanton feud.
- Another Shady Character: Given Johnny Ringo's reputation and the many enemies he had accumulated throughout his life as an outlaw and gunslinger, some theories suggest that another unknown "shady character" could have been responsible for his death. This perspective acknowledges the violent nature of the period and Ringo's dangerous lifestyle.
- Doc Holliday's Involvement: A popular theory, particularly embraced by fiction, including the scriptwriters for the film Tombstone, posits that Doc Holliday was the killer. This idea stems from the intense animosity between Holliday and Ringo, making Doc a plausible candidate in the eyes of many.
Summary of Theories
The table below summarizes the key theories surrounding Johnny Ringo's death:
| Theory/Claim | Primary Proponent/Source | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide | Official Verdict | The initial legal conclusion, based on evidence at the scene. |
| Wyatt Earp | Wyatt Earp's later personal claims | Earp, a rival, claimed to have been the one responsible. |
| Another Enemy | Historical Speculation | Attributed to one of Ringo's many unnamed adversaries. |
| Doc Holliday | Popular Culture/Some Historians | A prominent rival, often depicted in fiction as the killer. |
While the official record states suicide, the enduring legacy of Johnny Ringo's death is characterized by the multiple, often conflicting, accounts and theories, leaving the "exact" answer open to interpretation.
