Sam Bass: The Manhunt, The Crime, and The Tragic End of a Wild West Bandit and Texas Folk Hero. AKA “Texas’ Beloved Bandit” and “Robin Hood on a Fast Horse.” Noted Outlaw and Train Robber. Sam is killed by Texas Rangers on July 21, 1878 in Round Rock, Texas. Listen as Paul Lee Johnson tells the story and sings “Ballad of Sam Bass.”