It is possible that Massai's true Apache name was Nogusea (meaning "crazy", according to Jason Betzinez and James Kaywaykla); he was enlisted as a member of Chatto's band as known as Ma-Che.

Massai and a Tonkawa named Gray Lizard agreed to join Geronimo, who instructed them to lay in supplies of arms, food, and ammunition.

[5] The two men walked some 1,200 miles back to the Mescalero Apache tribal area, crossing the Pecos River, and Capitan Gap.

As a token of gratitude, Alberta gave Ball Massai's belt buckle that was passed on to her by Zanagoliche, after she found it among his burned remains.

Eventually, Anderson and Hearn recruited a group of men that included Bill Keene, Harry James, Mike Sullivan, Burt Slinkard, Charley Yaples, Ben Kemp, Ed and John James, Sebe Sorrells, Wesley Burris, and Anderson’s brother-in-law, Jim Hiller.

After gathering supplies, such as cheese, crackers, and sardines, the posse began tracking the suspected raiders through the San Mateo Mountains.

Burt Slinkard, one of the posse members, later expressed regret for his role in the killing, stating that ambushing an unarmed man was against his principles.

[11] Among the items recovered from the camp were Saunders’ gold watch and other goods believed to have been stolen during the recent raids.

Ben Kemp later claimed that Bill Keene was seen boiling the head on his property, and Ed James admitted to being involved in the decapitation.

The newspaper even joked that skulls attributed to the Apache Kid could be acquired in Arizona at “wholesale rates,” casting doubt on the authenticity of such relics.

Mrs. A. E. Thomas, a former teacher at the Mescalero Indian School, remarked, "The older children, accustomed to a free, animal-like existence, pined away and died."

[16] Another account states that Massai escaped over the border to Mexico, eventually settling in the Sierra Madre mountains with a group of rebellious Chiricahuas who had refused to surrender with Geronimo.