As another poster stated, the Golden Rule could have been applied in this situation. I agree wholeheartedly about the ridiculous Sundance show “No One Saw a Thing.” The producer had the story in mind before he even went to town. Uggh. She may have come out the other side, but it’s been tough to locate any kind of record showing her apologize to all those people she terrorized and women and children she shamed when they tried to come forward with their true, horrifying accounts of this man’s abuse. For her thug “partner” ?? To this day my source informs me the townsfolk still refer to Bo as the “Clint Eastwood” of Skidmore Missouri and all the surrounding area. I dont believe that vigilante violence is justifiable, but in this case it is. Even WORSE. Or she could have been waiting for him in the truck. You aren’t afraid of the man himself, but what he is capable of doing behind your back. Her obituary makes no mention of her time with Ken Rex McElroy. There was still a little packed ice and snow on the ground, so I think it was mid March of 1981. It will probably remain unsolved. Interesting how McElroy was functionally illiterate, but undeniably “street-smart” in the extreme. They went to high school together. By the time I met Trena a couple years after McELroy’s death, she had moved on, with a new husband and family. Ken lived in 1940, at address, Missouri. Bless the people who had to put up with these two monsters. I am shocked and horrified by the story particularly that in the 20th century that the LAW – ( I blame the Law for not being more proactive to help Trena & her family) were unable to protect a young girl from sexual abuse. Why? The judges and prosecuters on the other hand maybe didn’t do their jobs. Ken Rex McElroy's Geni Profile. Just look at any blog comment list. harry my name is sam lewis. Thats lousy that they didn’t even have the decency to credit you. Living in northeast Kansas, I found it compelling that this took place in my area of the world in a small town that doesn’t seem all that unfamiliar to me. He said he did not return for months to the couple's home in Skidmore, a small farming community that earlier gained notoriety after the 1981 killing of town bully Ken Rex McElroy in … Thank you for updating this story…. McElroy was never a popular man. Good riddance to both of them. Luckily, Bowenkamp survived, and McElroy was charged with attempted murder. they could’ve easily put a bullet in the back of her head but they didn’t , it was Ken they hated & despised with a venom only known in hell . It's said that the meeting adjourned, and the crowd quietly descended upon the tavern, flanking McElroy's truck. Red died several years ago, and Steve Peters and his wife divorced and Steve moved to St. Joe, where he is working for an engineering company. Do not listen to the comments made by people who talked about what she did while married to that monster. Ken passed away on month day 1981, at age 47 at death place, Missouri. It was uneventful but had a great tenderloin sandwich. Born June 1, 1934 ~ Murdered Murdered July 10, 1981 Skidmore, Nodaway County Missouri. Bullet casings from two different guns were found. And I call BS to imply there is some sort “collective evil” there. McElroy and Trena returned to the truck, where he lit a cigarette while she was in the passenger seat. So until you have walked in her shoes, do not judge her! That human trash “partner” of hers wasn’t worth anything…let alone the millions she attempted to steal via the legal system. It was probably held as evidence and then junked, The insurance company took it back, after a body shop in Maryville fixed it up. I want to feel something for Trena but as she carried a gun and was a lookout to help him when he went to town to terrorize people and sued them later, I’m struggling. Did he buy prosecutors? Really enjoyed your book. Medicare Advantage Plans; Medicare Supplement Plans; Special Needs Plans; Seminars I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I remember him telling us not to go to the mail box because McElroy threatened to put rattlesnakes in every mail box belonging to the jury. A few stiff sentences, and Dan would have been forgotten, as he deserved to be. Well, MP, you women have the choice about the kids you usually can NOT afford. Circling the wagons doesn’t help anyone. I just finished re-reading the 2nd version of the book. However, when he and Mrs. Bowenkamp purchased the town grocery store he put away his custom made Mother of Pearl grip Colt .45’s and his special made Crocodile ammunition belt. Then finding a lawyer who just saw the cash, and let that dictate his moral limits. Vigilante justice ended up being the last resort for the townspeople. She was a grade-a bozo and victim-blamed everyone that was every assaulted by her bumpkin husband, including the children and young women that he sexually assaulted. It’s just another dying small rural town. i lived in mound city from 1978 to 1996. i heard about the story when i was old enough to understand. Could someone on this blog sheet tell me what the title of that other movie was? That is why the current condition of Fillmore is so sorry now. Ken McElroy, town bully and victim (photo: thelineup.com) From the beginning of his life, on June 1, 1934, Ken Rex McElroy seemed destined for a trouble and cruelty. I learned today that Trena McElroy, Ken McElroy’s former wife, died on January 28, 2012. Thank you, Harry. Many of the people in it have since gone on to some fame. Law enforcement and the legal system failed. THAT is the nature of the sociopath. This is something my family especially my Grandma and the 3 children she had with that monster don’t want to remember or think about. I’m going to comment on several things, first Trena did not sue the town until AFTER she married her new husband and started on her new life. Mr MacLean, you are a lawyer, right? “Nobody ever held any of that against the rest of the family,” he says. I couldnt help but think about the tradgedies , this small town has endured, and how many lives were changed, or ruined, due to them. 21971, citing Saint Joseph Memorial Park, Saint Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri, USA ; Maintained by Leonard Shevlin McCann (contributor 49309870) . Instead, she contributed to Ken’s thievery, bullying, harassment, and assaults. Yes, and I am one person of many who believes vigilante justice has a place in this world. He was the Skidmore bully. Share your family tree and photos with the people you know and love. That act alone showed me what that woman was really all about. I also believe someone knew the killer/killers, but as long as it’s bin since the killing, I kind of doubt anyone will ever come forward as to ever get a conviction in the case. His behavior with women, however, was an entirely different matter. The family appeared not to be given any help at all. For decades, the man held the town of Skidmore virtually hostage. He raped young girls and brutalized them after they went to live with him or even married him; he shot at least two men; he stole cattle and hogs, and burned down the houses of some who interfered with his criminal activities. No sympathy for KM or his wife. He said that the jerk stared at each and every juror like he was intent on doing harm to each…a “crazy” look as dad described it. SKIDMORE, Mo. The people took control of their lives back. My granny a honest and good person told me you are no better than than who you are married to. Known as "the town bully", McElroy's unsolved killing became the focus of international attention. No need to respond to my posts on this discussion thread. I was seething reading These comments…… the justice system in that area was very corrupt why not pull a string that would actually be helpful and not harmful for a change? How anyone can sit here and speak about her like she would have known any better either way is beyond me! The legal system failed them and they had taken all they could. “He was in trouble so many times,” he recalls. He said he didn't return for months to the couple's home in Skidmore, a small farming community that earlier gained notoriety after the 1981 slaying of town bully Ken Rex McElroy … She was a girl who became corrupted and was abused, no doubt. Search, watch, and cook every single Tasty recipe and video ever - all in one place! Besides,from what I have read,even lawmen we’re scared of Ken Rex. I’ve still got mixed feelings about the shooting. Thanks for your research! The fact that 45+ people didn’t see anything tells me that there was no choice in the matter. You can find it on YouTube, or at least you could a few weeks ago. Thanks. Say what you will, but not only was Ken Rex an obvious monster, but so was his brainless wife, Trena McElroy. To many people make excuses for bad people. But they feared they’d have to pay you maybe. i feel sorry for all the women he terrorized for all the years. I just realized that you mentioned gary dowling as the second shooter in 2007 (epilogue). I lived and worked in Maryville for 8 years and got to know a few of the folks who were in and around Skidmore when this happened. The best part of this book is when the old acquaintance of Ken looked him up and decided to tell him about salvation through Jesus Christ. Sounds like he didn’t suffer enough. McElroy dropped out of school before reaching high school and by the young age of 13, he was already a familiar name to the local law enforcement. Holy cow. He did attempt to do the right thing. I’m heartened to read of Trena’s reformation, and saddened that her life was cut so short. Last night I just watched the 1999 episode of City Confidential of the town bully which got me poking around the internet. Not at all. I saw this while browsing and just couldn’t not comment. Not sure is you can find it now I agree your feelings toward Trena–she really was grabbed at a very young age, and no one really stuck up for her, certainly not her parents–but I know others in the area aren’t so forgiving. A town with around 441 people and among them there was this one man named Ken Rex McElroy and this guy was the epitome of everything a man should not be. They only wanted to control through violence. No one knows how afraid you are to not do everything you can to keep an abusive husband happy. Sundance omitted the plague of crimes that KRM inflicted on the people he knew & grew up with, the fear that gripped the entire community, the hopelessness that the legal system would ever stop him, the abuse of young women and children, the disregard for law, his disdain for humanity, his incredible evil and success at evading the law — Most of all, the nauseating recognition that Ken Rex McIlroy, out on bond, would finish the job of murdering the victim(s) and witnesses before he would ever go to jail If anything, the series proved that Skidmore’s silence is still unbroken and the secret that at least 70 people keep, is still unspoken. If you are a decent human being there is no way you can condone his actions! McElroy was also accused of abusing his first two wives, Sharon and Alice, but Alice defended him in an interview shortly after his death. only if you are from that area could you understand what happened. Sorry not happening! Ken Rex McElroy’s truck after he was fatally shot on the main street of Skidmore, Mo., on July 10, 1981. He reportedly began stalking the Bowenkamp family. Good riddance. Harry, Boyles motors towed the truck from the scene held that it during the investigation and fixed the truck so it could be sold again contact the owner of boyles motors in maryville bud can tell you of that day it came in. I completely believe that Trena was the wonderful woman that you say she was. As someone who was married to a horrible bully at a young age, I understand. Welcome to Free Photos Download Free HD Wallpapers [Mobile + Desktop] Yes, Del Clement was only a few years older than Trena. i know that the town never had any intent in shooting trena. McElroy controlled the whole town. I take him to task in the book. Interesting comment. I am absolutely sure it was Ken McElroy. I’m glad I was able to find out this information. And St Joseph, MO inherited some of the McElroy boys who seem to follow in their father’s footsteps. Enjoy reading these comments as well. Being around men as violent as himself would have been true justice. Lois Bowenkamp called it a misunderstanding and tried to make peace. I took a seat close to him and he immediately started to pick a fight with me. He stole, he assaulted, he raped, and more. Usually, it takes a dangerous gang and a community of people too scared to talk to get away with such behavior. On July 10, 1981, … Page-turner, big-time!. As far as him never being convicted……well, you can’t just ignore all those indictments and the rapes! However, I was forbidden to go anywhere near the pool hall in town, and could only go to the post office near it with an adult. Stratton is still kicking up in Bethany. You know Harry, some day I would really like to meet you, shake your hand & get your autograph. I know she helped with the bullying, but she was substantially influenced and “groomed” by this child molester. being physically abused takes numerous tolls. It’s part of their job to see justice done despite risk to themselves, Were they bought and paid for like the sleezoid lawyer? This man had such a shameful history of crime to his name that he was definitely no saint. He never served a full day in jail for shooting two people why should they be held to a higher standered. he knew when and how to control himself. I appreciate the comments. If the filmmaker was from the US and over 40, he would know that. Do you know where it can be found? She stayed close to her parents, curiously enough. If he was in fact one of the shooters, then he held on to that for many, many years. Kriss lives in Skidmore. (Supplied) Recently, on Victoria Jo’s birthday, he sent Mr Strong, the sheriff, … The thug known as Ken has a few defenders just as all criminals have a few defenders. Small towns should pass laws to protect themselves from such harassment, and people stick together to prevent future problems. It's worth noting that the abused defending their abuser often occurs in domestic violence cases. It was amazing the town folk found the restraint not to grant her Ken’s fate. Everyone wants to know how he controlled a little girl and others. Flipping television channels I ran across the old film Road House. You are to be commended.robin. I totally agree! May peace be with your entire family. She lived in Conway, Missouri, and apparently died of cancer. I don’t remember seeing Trena with him and he was sitting alone. She just knew him mostly as her dad and not all the other stuff. It’s always been one of my favorite scenes in the book, but few others mention it. Hello Mr. MacLean. Bonjour je vis en France je viens de voir la série sur votre grand mère c’était une femme très courageuse dans un village très étrange paix à son âme, Thank you for setting the record straight. The person knew McElroy for many years and said that Ken neither had the guts nor the intestinal fortitude to face Bo in a face to face gun duel. as it’s been told , did indeed act as a lookout , carried a gun & so forth . May this sweey woman RIP, and she was to young!! I understand his thieving ways gave him plenty of cash to attend to his and his family’s needs, but WHO did he buy off to get repeated passes on his crimes? I intend to write something on it soon. He was indicted as many as 21 times, but escaped conviction all but once. Visited the places you wrote about. Life is so short.. to be filled with hate and violence. I agree with you and Jack. The ability to get away with bad behavior from being a knee high scoundrel, probably from his father having too many kids. None of the witnesses called an ambulance or gave information about a shooter. Thanks for sharing. That’s the mentality of many bullies. Half the people there in 1981 are gone now, and they aren’t being replaced. Born June 1, 1934 ~ Murdered Murdered July 10, 1981 Skidmore, Nodaway County Missouri. Likeliest to get caught up in the moment. We’re all better without them. Back in 1981, it was “your word against mine”. I just saw the story of your grandmother and then found this article online. Over 60 people surrounded his pickup truck and shot him dead on Main Street-but no one claimed to see a thing. I haven’t been able to find an address for Ken McElroy’s house that was burned. How’s Kriss Goslee? Whatever money spent to investigate his death, was just good money thrown after bad. I truly believe she learned from these mistakes, so forgiveness is in order, especially since she became a totally different person after he was out of her life. The vast majority of people familiar with this case are quite happy with the outcome. In the end, Dan McElroy was done in by his own success. You have to remember people were terrorized and held captive in their own town. He raped her , beat her, burned her folks house to the ground, told her he would kill her little brothers and sister…This girl was a old beat woman at 16. I wish you guys could have had more time together. They should have gathered in force and worked together to do something about him and assist the people complaining before the situation got this far. Of course she was a Victim, I was not aware she tried to get away from him to her parents and he killed their family dog! Required fields are marked *. I just found out about the book “The Story Behind ‘In Broad Daylight'”, and I am reading it. The aide said the mother had left the hospital to stay with her family, they were waiting for her to return to pick up her son, once she knew she was safe from the father. I am not sure how I even ran across it, but it caught my interest and I started researching it. As far as Trena, it is awful to think that her own mother just gave up on her so easily – I just cannot imagine. It was Valley Road at the time. Especially when you’re as young as she was and probably financially dependent on your abuser. There's a long list of crimes said to have been committed by McElroy, including shooting multiple people. Weighing in at approximately 270 pounds with bushy black sideburns, McElroy held the entire town of Skidmore under his thumb. Too bad. Although Trena was young when she got with that demon, it’s clear she enjoyed bullying people too. Were the citizens justified in taking matters into their own hands? OBVIOUSLY, they werent. I just finished the book of Ken McElroy’s life and death. Dunbar lives in Marvyille with his girl friend Bobbie. How sad for him. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Ken Rex McElroy (16 Jun 1934–10 Jul 1981), Find a Grave Memorial no. The person(s) responsible for firing the shots that killed McElroy remains unsolved. I feel like the townspeople were just fed up and tired of being held hostage and terrorized in their own community. I knew your grandma as a classmate, but most of all best friend a person could ever have. Interesting comment.In later years I think Trena did come to see what happened as almost inevitable given Ken’s crimes. I wish I had found you when I was writing the book! Ken Rex McElroy was not a nice man. How could she have said he was a great man and she didn’t know why the town hated and feared him? Maybe I’m forgetting that part of the book, but why was he ever released on bail during the appeal process? Bless the rave souls who had the guts to put that man to death. He was one of the jurors on the Romaine Henry case. A lot of people wanting to skirt the law are moving into small towns to have places to hide & lay low. Even the United States has a legal system, even back then. Been there, done that and survived that! The sleezoid attorney is always a given with guys like this thug. McElroy was furious when he learned of the incident. I have some questions. We need the courage of 1981 Skidmore now more than ever. I agree. The FBI investigated to try to find out who actually shot and killed Ken Rex McElroy, but they had no success. It is titled “The Town Bully” and it was released in 1988. One of the more interesting comments so far. I had a fascinating interview with her, though. More insight into Trena’s life with Ken. He wouldn’t be able to park on the street now for hours to scare people. It’s amazing that she was able to recover and lead a fulfilling life. But perhaps I should have looked a little deeper into the place. I’m sure you would privately feel relieved in the City when your cops shot him dead, but publicly condemn your cops for doing it – a-la woke 2021 morality. Bless you and your family. When you get a contract to write it let me know. No one deserved to be treated the way she was and I just hope that all the children involved were able to move on and have better lives. Have no sympathy for McElroys wife Trena and his previous wife, they really enjoyed the bullying and intimidating people as much as McElroy. My personal opinion is that DNA and modern surveillance (cell phones and the like) wouldn’t have allowed the cops to back down as easily as they did then. She will always carry her friend ship in my heart. Without him around to protect her, she wilted back down to reality. Then later the lawsuit , she should’ve been grateful after all her & ken did that they just put a bullet into the back of his head on July 10th,1981 & let her ass walk away from the scene . i knew some of his family and the people in the book. I live in Lawrence, Kansas which is about 90 miles from Skidmore, Missouri. I was in skidmore, some years back, as a result of the interest, the book sparked in me. She did what she had to do to survive……….the law sure didn’t help her . I don’t think they will be. Absolutely true Jack. To make up for the short comings of the law, there is a place for the law being ignored, and justice being dealt in other ways. I’d read In Broad Daylight a long time ago. They were all white trash, she was just as guilty as Ken McElroy was in terrorizing those people, although they picked the right town apparently, you can only bully people for so long, she’s lucky she didn’t meet the same fate…. I have always felt so bad for Treena, she was a child victim and there was nothing anyone could do to protect her. I was completely immersed in the story while reading it. She was a wonderful, amazing, caring woman. My brother and I bought a Coonhound pup from Ken less than a month before.he was shot. they knew what she had to deal with and she only did those things becouse she had to. Thanks for the comment. I remember talking to your Dad. I know she had some responsiblity in this, but I truly believe she was doing the best she could do in such bad circumstances. he was a sociopath…not psychotic. Although Trena rode with McElroy at the end, she was victimized by him at age 12. While I was there a nurses aide advised me they were caring for a new born baby boy and safekeeping him in a room in the maternity ward away from the nursery, since the father had threatened to kill the baby and his mother. Quick question.., what reason did Sheriff Estes give for leaving Skidmore directly after the meeting even though he knew Ken Rex was coming into town? I’m sorry to hear that your Grandmother was relatively young when she passed. However, she had her opportunities to disappear or move on on numerous occasions and she didn’t take it. Shortly after being released, McElroy was at D&G Tavern making threats about murdering Bowenkamp. Neither of them contributed anything to society and loved no one. No one was more a victim of the bastard McElroy than was she. Those parents should have moved away with the 12 year old as fast as possible, even without a house. He was still alive in 2007 when you did. She made that choice of her own. Therefore, it was as though she were sending out the wrong message about her involvement with him by filing that lawsuit. Ken McElroy: | |Ken Rex McElroy| (June 1, 1934 – July 10, 1981) was a resident of |Skidmore|, |Nodaway C... World Heritage Encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most definitive collection ever assembled. Bully. I read the first book, In Broad Daylight. Ken Rex McElroy, 47, was a big, burly man with bushy sideburns, cold eyes and an ever-present gun. First: WHO THE HECK WAS THIS GUY? You could argue that the town failed to protect an abducted 12 year old and owed her damages for the subsequent rapes and abuse she endured. the odd thing is sence june of ’96 i have lived in lebanon mo. Sounds naive I know, but I feel hope that perhaps Ken McElroy may well have found God, even if tangentially. Your email address will not be published. However, I can also be sure that yet another movie was released back in the 1980s about these same events that took place in Skimore, Missouri. I felt sorry for Trena to a certain extent. If someone were to have all the data that you have regarding this case, who would they suspect as the 3rd shooter? One of these women was 24-year-old Trena McCloud, who was McElroy's partner. Thanks for the comment. I’m happy she found happiness afterward. No one is to blame. On 16 May, 1980, Shiue managed to track Mary down. No names were mentioned. As for her having a choice, no, no,no! What do you say? On April 25, 1980 at Ernest "Bo" Bowenkamp's general store, a clerk asked McElroy's 8-year-old daughter to return a piece of candy she had not paid for. McElroy knew this quite well and knew the only way he could duel with Bo was to shoot him while Bo was unarmed. I just finished your book, it’s an excellent read. However, Trena McElroy got rewarded settlement money for a wrongful death lawsuit she filed against three of the townspeople for his death.>>>>Click onto http://www.talkguests.com/mcelroy.htm. I haven’t seen her kids defending McElroy, although they might have. Cause she did stick up for him! Obviously neither of them ever heard of the Golden Rule…. I can happily say that she seems to be living a fulfilling and normal life and is a very responsible, contributing member of society. What did they ever do with the lot were Ken’s house was? May he rest in Peace. If not, it should be on my website. Classic. He really didn’t have a reason. Harry MacLean. A six-member coroner's jury Tuesday ruled that McElroy was killed by 'person or persons unknown.' I’m glad she got away from that life. Once they got ahold of this story they sucked the life out of that town. It might be worth something to a fanatic if it still exists. Agreed. She didn’t have the guts/strength to stand up to McElroy. Shocked that trena passed on, her updated pic shows ahappy woman, you mentioned some of the kids are in Pa? She was cruel and her actions can not be disregarded. There is a photo of Trena with Alice in the book, and an obituary photo of Trena in an earlier post on this blog. They really do not need their memories spoiled by the memories of the rest of the world. (PHOTO COURTESY HARRY N. McLEAN) Always armed with a gun, McElroy took whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted and nobody dared asked questions. McElroy was never a popular man. Had ours for years. Oh yes, I’m quite sure his lawyer knew exactly what his client was about. And yes, they all knew about McElroy & I didn’t hear of anyone saying that his death was a pity. He gives somewhat of an explanation in the Sundance series “No one saw a thing.” I don’t think he suspected there was going to be a shooting, although perhaps he should have. Directed by Avi Belkin. Roadhouse looks like this in its basic plot and conclusion. The townspeople were the ones who suffered punishment. He had dozens of accounts of assault, child molestation, statutory rape, arson, burglary, grain theft, and hog and cattle rustling. Ken Rex McElroy (June 1, 1934 – July 10, 1981) was a resident of Skidmore, Missouri, United States. GRANDDAUGHTER, your grandma was the sweetest person I could ever find. They are absolutes and when all else fails to destroy evil, then it falls to the individual to do whatever is necessary.
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