On this day, Feb. 3, in 1889, outlaw Belle Starr was killed by two shotgun blasts two days before her 41st birthday.
While the facts of Starr's life has been embellished by legend, she was well-known during her day as consort of thieves, and was close friends with the likes of legendary outlaws Cole Younger and Jesse James.
"I am a friend to any brave and gallant outlaw, but have no use for that sneaking, coward class of thieves ... who would betray a friend or comrade," she told a Texas reporter.
Starr's life of crime ended when she was shot in the back as she returned to her ranch.
Suspects included a rival outlaw, a former lover, her husband and her son, but her killer was never identified.
-- Scott McCabe
