Another look at Cahill's death.

Bonita Cemetary where Cahill is laid to rest.

By Josh Slatten

The death of Windy Cahill is often retold, and the story ALWAYS revolves around Billy gut shooting him while wrestling on the floor of the Atkins Saloon in Bonita AZ. I believe this is wrong. Allow me to explain why. For starters, there are two versions of the story and the one that’s been accepted is that of Gus Gildea. Gus, under his own omission, didn’t arrive until the following day, hours after the shooting. He relays the common account of the fight occurring on the floor like recently discussed. 

The second version of events and one that I feel should be given more credibility is that of Justice of the Peace, Miles Woods. In an interview with his daughter, Mrs. Du Bois, she recalls that her father was on scene to witness the incident and stated that the killing took place under a tree beside the saloon, which was located 30-40 yards S.W of the current Bonita store. 

Nolan in his book TWOBTK, agrees, stating they “Locked together, surrounded by a shouting crowd, the two men reeled toward a cattle chute that stood alongside or behind the cantina. (pg59) Nolan sites “Wood, Reminiscences; Denton, “Thrilling Incidents.”

Furthermore, if one is familiar with Gus Gildea you will know that he lead a very interesting life, however his many letters to Fulton in later years indicated a heavy dose of embellishment and storytelling. Fun fact… Gus Gildea indicated in these letters to Fulton that he rode with the KKK in Tennessee during the reconstruction years. Take that for what you will…