That was a wonderful thing that guy did for Ken, too bad iKen rejected Jesus at that point. Ken McElroy - Historical records and family trees - MyHeritage When I met him his demeanor was exactly like you described in your book. The murder of Ken Rex McElroy took place in plain view of dozens of residents of this small farm town, under the glare of the morning sun. During his 20s, McElroy became famous among his coon-hunting buddies for his eye for what he called "young meat"adolescent girls. A common refrain among the people MacLean interviewed? If there is a hell, at least they are both there together. My personal opinion is that DNA and modern surveillance (cell phones and the like) wouldnt have allowed the cops to back down as easily as they did then. . Agree ! By the time I met Trena a couple years after McELroys death, she had moved on, with a new husband and family. I dont believe any of those people are murderers or bad people, they truly felt that was their only choice. He was still alive in 2007 when you did. Bravo for justice. You can find it on YouTube, or at least you could a few weeks ago. I believe trena is in heaven , as for Ken well I think he ended up in hell. One of them, Jeffy, had a hernia problem. Now 47, he is the same age McELroy was when he was shot to death on the main street of Skidmore Missouri. Seems like her future children and grandchildren may have a gunman to thank for that. I just re-read In Broad Daylight and would like to visit Skidmore (I live in KCMO), and also would like to see a pic of Trena that wasnt with Ken. McFadin was so good at getting McElroy off that, as Unsolved claims, rumors spread that McFaden was actually a mob lawyer. She still seemed somewhat like a child when I met her. She doesnt get a free pass because of it. Wife says one of 60 vigilantes killed husband - UPI Archives It was Valley Road at the time. Trena did not profit from the movie. Whatever they say is normal, you force yourself to accept as normal. Seriously how on earth did that town, police, or her parents just let her be abducted? Why do you think they are referred to as legal thieves? The other thread that is much more active than this one is about Mcfadin, McElroys lawyer, and the debate over the role he played in facilitating McElroys crimes. They use their size and weapons as intimidation so they dont have physical altercations that shows their lack of ability to be a real bad ass. The marshal turned in his badge and quit the next day. And you do not involve anyones family or friends EVER. But I dont understand her denial and defensiveness until her death. Goodbye Ken. I know she helped with the bullying, but she was substantially influenced and groomed by this child molester. He was defended by Gene McFadin, who defended Ken. The book told the story of Sally, who at fourteen began having children by Ken. McElroy showed up at the local bar, the D&G Tavern, carrying a rifle and bayonet, making "graphic threats" about finishing off Bowenkamp, according to Unsolved. As for her having a choice, no, no,no! Yep. It happens. How old is she? "He always had a chip on his shoulder," Harry MacLean told host Phoebe Judge about McElroy on her podcast Criminal. Laws on stalking & witness intimidation are much stronger & better enforced. who testified in No One Saw a Thing, Ken Rex McElroy was considered to be the "town bully." Before McElroy died, he had threatened a number of people at gunpoint, shot a few people, and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, Trena McCloud, before marrying her to evade statutory rape charges. Come back and talk to us when you are 70+ years old and a thug shoots you, leaves you to dies and gets away with it. But his side was never told! I feel I owe you a debt for making me forget this damn pandemic for a while! I noted that one of the boys had had a hernia. Very interesting. As far as him never being convictedwell, you cant just ignore all those indictments and the rapes! Consisting of around 440 residents and a number of small family-run businesses, the farming town revolved around work ethic. I think that town had enough punishment all the years he terrorized them.. Robert Dick McElroy 1928-1999 Helen Lorene McElroyCurley 1929-1999 Children Debbie Ann McElroy 1965-2020 Advertisement See more McElroymemorials in: Saint Joseph Memorial Park Saint Joseph Buchanan County Missouri USA Find a Grave Flower DeliverySponsor and Remove Ads Explore more Absolutely true Jack. He refused several requests for an interview. Ken McElroy: Killed in Broad Daylight | by Lori Johnston - Medium All of McElroys kids that I talked to liked the guy, but I suspect that was because he was gone from so much terrorizing other folks. But I was struck earlier today by the realization (once more) that art can often imitate life. The thugs of this world breed like animals and the kids carry that genetic defect. Back in 1981, it was your word against mine. When she balked at sex, he beat her and threatened to kill her father. A trial would have cleared the air, left people without having to keep more secrets out of fear, and maybe Skidmore wouldnt have turned into a place more dangerous than Kabul per capita. The ones still living can be found listed in obituaries of some of the siblings. She didnt have the guts/strength to stand up to McElroy. I take him to task in the book. Im pretty sure many are long dead, but to me THIS is the story. The Town That Got Away With Murder - Ken Rex McElroy Even your sniveling about the author being a rich is typical of a problem personality. Ken Rex McElroyThe Thirtieth Anniversary of his Killing According to the the citizens of Skidmore, Mo. My grandfather is a great man and to know that he placed the fear of God in Ken and he never backed down from him makes him a remarkable man! In your blog, you mention four children. [1][3] The next day, McElroy was shot to death in broad daylight as he sat with his wife Trena in his pickup truck on Skidmore's main street. I closing, I would like to say that ( The lost son, of Ken) was never lost at all. THATS TOTAL BS. They were poor, they had come from Kansas, he kind of grew up resenting those he considered to be more successful. this link is broken. I noticed that in your book, In Broad Daylight, you mentioned that Sally had borne Ken three children Ken Jr, Lisa, and Jeffrey. No one lives on the property, although is brother Tim, the youngest in the family, lives a little ways down the road. I took a seat close to him and he immediately started to pick a fight with me. Why has no one stepped forward to identify McElroy's killer? But Ive dealt with bullies through my life some very violent. May he rest in Peace. I saw him back down from a guy once at Rutledge over a dog. Heres what I was able to put together. How many times had I heard that look described by the residents of Skidmore? Obviously neither of them ever heard of the Golden Rule. It takes a lot to reverse that type of brainwashing and Im grateful she found someone to treat her that way she truly deserved. Page-turner, big-time!. Thank you for updating this story. She was a young girl trying to survive. She was young and he probably brainwashed her impressionable young mind until she without a doubt thought this was how life was supposed to be. Judge recounts on Criminal how, in response to numerous complaints about McElroy, the closest police station (14 miles away) dispatched a marshal whose sole purpose was to watch over McElroy and keep the peace in Skidmore. I was startled. You may have a point on my description of Fillmore. Very interesting. Things are much different now. He charmed the girls with dime-store gifts and rides in his truck. Trena too young to know a better way and being unable to make her own judgements, plus being gaslighted by Ken to the point that she couldnt think for herself and her parents not protecting her. I will say that your descriptions in the book are amazingly accurate, as I knew exactly where the trailer with the hogs were left south of Fillmore to deter the deputy chasing him. Secondary, the authorities would have been responsible as well because laws were broken. No names were mentioned. He was a young man. And I call he to imply there is some sort collective evil there. He wouldnt be able to park on the street now for hours to scare people. The demise of Ken Rex, is one that will continue to be debated, for years to come. You arent afraid of the man himself, but what he is capable of doing behind your back. She said the house didnt burn down and in that same sentence she said faulty wiring. I dont think Ill touch that one. Give the lady a break. KRM was a freaking coward! Gerry Murphy: anyhing good about him. I live in Lawrence, Kansas which is about 90 miles from Skidmore, Missouri. Thank you, Harry. Specifically, 70-year-old Bo Bowenkamp had accused one of McElroy's children of stealing candy, according to Bustle, and McElroy wasn't going to cotton on to one of his children being . By fearing him and and letting him frighten him the empowered him. The townspeople were the ones who suffered punishment. The blazing summer heat. Im sad to see that she did pass on, but so happy she was a happy WOMAN ! She must have been an amazing woman moving on from this. So similar to Skidmore. His farm was about 20 miles west of Kirksville. McElroy was known to have stolen grain, alcohol, gasoline, antiques, and even livestock. It seems Q Goslees family has experienced losses at an earlier age than I would have thought. On the morning of July 10th, 1981, shots rang out in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri. I havent seen you since you was 2 . Interesting. Living in northeast Kansas, I found it compelling that this took place in my area of the world in a small town that doesnt seem all that unfamiliar to me. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/84375228/trena-louise-williams, Mr. Mclean Your book, was an excellent one. It took a few years of us knowing each other before I discovered the connection. When you get into a situation that young its you really do NOT know what youre getting into to. I've still got mixed feelings about the shooting. Everyone owes a huge debt of gratitude to special education teachers, the unsung heroes of the schools. The bar was called The Timeout and has since been torn down. Trena Louise Williams, daughter of Ronald and Treva Peters McNeeley, was born January 24, 1957, in Horton, Kansas. Godspeed. It certainly must be a burden knowing your father was Ken McElroy, but hes certainly entitled to be proud of what hes done with his life. Wow..you Gerry Murphy do not understand anything about abuse..trena had every right to sue the town..Im glad she did it..look at what the town did to help her..not a damn thing..she should have gotten more money..as for the 2 trouble maker daughters what ever happened to these little liers?..they started all this mess with there bullshit story about raiding the store? i feel sorry for all the women he terrorized for all the years. I hope it is still active. Other than listing hers and Kens children among her survivors, it is her husband of almost 3 decades, Howard, and her longtime residence in Lebanon, MO, which are mentioned in the obituary. Its use generally means that the person uttering it fears being exposed for his own crimes or the crimes of his friends or family. Her obituary makes no mention of her time with Ken Rex McElroy. Worse felonies included assault and arson. A few stiff sentences, and Dan would have been forgotten, as he deserved to be. They got rid of their bully, but things never got any better for them. I wish I was able to go to Skidmore & to Kensgrave to visit. Very well said. Small towns should pass laws to protect themselves from such harassment, and people stick together to prevent future problems. But Jeffrey, once he found his mother, learned of a fourth, I believe. When Jeffrey turns his head that way, in his eyes is a streak of coldness that is remarkable in its intensity. Kind of a nobody saw a thing situation. In Broad Daylight - YouTube The ability to get away with bad behavior from being a knee high scoundrel, probably from his father having too many kids. Im glad she found happiness and may she rest in peace! The Town That KILLED a Bully in Broad Daylight | Ken Rex McElroy Joshua Roberts 64.8K subscribers Join Subscribe 666 Share 22K views 11 months ago #trucrime #thehistoryof Here is the story of a. Furious that McElroy was drinking instead of getting locked up, the irate citizens of Skidmore held an impromptu town hall meeting in the American Legion Hall across the street from the D&G to discuss how to handle the McElroy situation. He gives somewhat of an explanation in the Sundance series No one saw a thing. I dont think he suspected there was going to be a shooting, although perhaps he should have. Damien, you may well be right. And yes, the person turning properties into storage for junk is really unfortunate. Trena went on to remarry in 1983, and died in 2012. So before you believe anything you might want to get all the facts. It was maddening to see his lawyer do what he did but ist that what defense attorneys are supposed to do? As a novice writer myself, nowhere near the talent and expertise you display, I was told by a confidential source (Whom I shall not identify due to privacy). He is all the things his father was not, god bless him! Was Treena her mother? Your book may give me a different perception, we will see. You need to be leave peoples names out of this where was it proven that tammy had anything to do with anything these our false accusations as I am sure a judge would agree. I think McElroys lawyer might have encouraged her to file the lawsuit. Thanks again for writing the book. Jeffrey thinks a lot about what it means to be Ken McElroys son. They were of one mind, clearly, or the entire set of facts sought by the police would be known by now. A thousand sleezy lawyers cant do the harm to society what a few ( especially in tiny communities were there may only be a couple) inept/corrupt/cowardly judges or prosecutors will. Are they aware of their father and the history about him? You cant judge Law Enforcement for not finding his killer because they never protected Skidmore from him and his crimes. This is truly shocking its like something out of the middle ages. Required fields are marked *. They will always be associated with this tragedy, and they have to live with the harassment of others. harry my name is sam lewis. It would be worth something to day. Somewhere down the line, one of his blood will become far worse than he ever was and the cycle will begin again. Ive still got mixed feelings about the shooting. [2], In all, he was indicted 21 times but escaped conviction each time, except for the last. Jeffrey knew the story. I appreciate it! I just wonder, you called I assume your grandfather as a monter, does that mean she admitted he was a horrible man? Nothing was ever done. Sounds naive I know, but I feel hope that perhaps Ken McElroy may well have found God, even if tangentially. Oh well, karma did its job and gave her the cancer. Filmmaker Avi Belkin's 'No One Saw a Thing . It is my pleasure to interact with Jeffery on a daily basis and I truely feel he helps keep me grounded. Chelsey, regardless of anything else, an ADULT who impregnates a FOURTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD is a monster. Being around men as violent as himself would have been true justice. Im 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. Dad said he was relieved that he did not have to go through a full blown trial as he was fearful of Ken Rexs revenge/harassment of prior juries. I dont think people realize how many things go by the wayside in these rural areas. To many people make excuses for bad people. I would love to hear from you . Ken obviously was mentally ill and never got help. Even the worst people can sometimes act pleasantly. Also she was a child! She was a girl who became corrupted and was abused, no doubt. Although McElroy is long gone, his reputation looms ever-present, even over a series of nonrelated disturbing events, including the death of Wendy Gillenwater, stomped to death by her boyfriend in 2000, the disappearance of Branson Perry in 2001, and the brutal 2004 murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnett, whose live baby was carved from her body. From the impression I got, the law enforcement officers, with exception of Corporal Stratton of the State Patrol, seemed to back down to Ken out of fear the same as the townspeople did for a while. 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 born and raised in St. Joseph and my Mother who has since passed had told me that my Father (who died when I was 2) who was a St. Joe Police Officer knew Officer Stratton. I remember visiting the bar/diner in Skidmore back in 2000. Jesus. Ken Rex McElroy (1934-1981) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree The people of Skidmore had every right to defend their lives, their children, and their town from McElroy when the law was impotent to do so. But in a dramatic act of . Thats where I first met him and actually got to know him rather well. May this sweey woman RIP, and she was to young!! McElroy fathered more than 10 children with different women. McElroy sat outside the foster home for hours at a time staring at it. All of them are aware of who their father was. There was no physical evidence linking Clement to the crime, and no witnesses willing to corroborate McCloud's assertions. Which at the very least is what every human deserves. His parents, Tony and Mabel, were humble sharecroppers that could probably not have coped with so many offspring. I pictured Del Clement and the other men as middle aged while reading the book, but then realized that Del was only a few years older than Trena when Ken was shot. We all heard the stories about Ken Rexs rein of terror which started before my family moved to Oregon, MO in 1978 and ended with his shooting. Ken McElroy was a functional illiterate. What was his/her name, and have you had any contact with him/her? Harry, You talked to my father (who has passed away) in the research for your book. No need to respond to my posts on this discussion thread. It makes me realize that no matter who your biological parents are, you choose to be the person you want to be. He could easily have kept McElroy in jail after his conviction, or set a bond so high he couldnt meet it. If someone is wealthy or not isnt your business. McElroy must have paid him dearly. Im so glad to hear that she was able to find happiness after the trauma inflicted on her by her 1st husband and by the town of Skidmore. Good and evil are not social constructs. She was molested by him and controlled by him as a child. . They should have shot her to she tried to fight the elderly shop keeper and gave interviews on what a saint ken was. Glad I could add a bit more info. McElroy managed to escape conviction on all but one of these charges by intimidating witnesses and through the efforts of his accomplished attorney, Richard McFadin. But the way the parents let things happen, the abused child could evolve into the accomplice of a criminal in adulthood. Jeffrey seemed curious, but was not interested in meeting any of many siblings living in the area. Which is one of the big reasons the rustling really bothered me. Courts and their officers failed Dan McElroy when they didnt just keep him in jail. Its located on 9th st by Patee House. they couldve easily put a bullet in the back of her head but they didnt , it was Ken they hated & despised with a venom only known in hell . She tried a few times to leave him and was very frightened of him, but with no one to help her, she relented to KR. If anything, she owed the townspeople something. 18 Facts About The Murder Of Ken Rex McElroy, One Of The Most Thanks! They worked as sharecroppers and moved often before settling in Skidmore. Just read your latest blog, in which you talked about your meeting with Jeffrey. See he was tired of fighting the town people and all the rest of the crap. You need to get a job yourself and quit sniveling. Does no one stand up to him? Ken married first name McElroy. So she has died? I intend to write something about it soon. Still hard to believe it happened in 1981 rather than 1891. Ken Rex McElroy (June 1, 1934 July 10, 1981) was an American criminal and convicted attempted murderer who resided in Skidmore, Missouri, United States. Were they scared of this thug? All this still going on is bull what he done is nonthing compared to what goes on in the big cities everyday and they dont go making books and movies about it. 1980: A few of Ken's children go to the local grocery store and is accused of stealing by Mrs. Bowenkamp. Cause no one else except his relation thinks Why?? McCloud's parents initially opposed the relationship, but after McElroy burned their house down and shot the family dog they begrudgingly agreed to the marriage. In both his and Trenas situations, it was growing up poor and insecure that steered them in the direction they went in. I only know of Juarez, Ken Jr, tony and Jeff , such an amazing story, I am Juarez McElroys son Damien and i think your storys a lil.well..i guess not fully informed on the whole lifestyle of my Grandpa. God bless her families, that they my know Him and their lives will be full of blessings. Im 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. Thank you Harry for putting that in the book. And, Im sorry for this too, but as a former English teacher, did she ever get educated so she learned proper grammar. Im sure she felt anger & betrayal, along with what that kind of abuse does to your psyche. Although, I understand the towns feeling about her as well. Jeffrey has a lot of friends who think hes an amazing guy. I can say without hesitation had Ken Rex come face to face with him one would have died a violent death. Without him around to protect her, she wilted back down to reality. To hear him talk about that experience was something. Whatever became of Kens kids, Juarez, Tonia, and Ken Jr? Oh yes, Im quite sure his lawyer knew exactly what his client was about. Ken was my grandfather derome was my father Im deromes oldest my mother is trace I wish I could of meet my grandfather. Many of the people in it have since gone on to some fame. I just finished re-reading the 2nd version of the book. However, it was more than obvious to the townspeople and the authorities that McElroy was no goodie-two-shoes. To wear such a shirt is a real indicator of the kind of person you are looking at. Back then, law enforcement tended to side with the man or ignored the situation. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. You cant make that case at all. I believe the engine in the truck seized up because Mr. McElroys foot was on the accelerator and no one moved his foot or even shut off the engine. As for Trena, when I talked to her she sounded like a 14-year-old girl, about the age when McElroy go ahold of her. The lost son of Ken Rex McElroy. That might have been the St. Joe case, where he pulled a gun on a couple, and right before trial they backed out. When you grow up like that, I really do believe that it stunts your empathy. I have known Jeff for over 15 years.The best way to describe him is , ( soft spoken, kind hearted, One who never seems to get upset. truth is she was kens partner in crime terrorizing the residents of skidmore( yeah I know she was young) but you dont just simply forget that . Tonya was very sweet and loving and although Ive lost track of her in the last 20 years, I hope she has succeeded in life. "Thank god he's dead. No matter how many years go by and how well things seem to be going for these children, I have to wonder how all this has really scarred them. I will keep abreast of any public speaking you may have in Colorado as I now reside in Littleton. Ive read over 100 true crime books with Harrys book being the best. His father was a tenant farmer, his mother a housewife swamped with feeding and caring for the sprawling family. Do you know how young Damien is? [12] The DA declined to press charges, and an extensive federal investigation did not lead to any charges either. There is a photo of Trena with Alice in the book, and an obituary photo of Trena in an earlier post on this blog. 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. Its an old saying, but one can argue that his children are also victims in this case. He had no social security number and never filed a tax return. Its around 2 hours away from Skidmore. Her obituary is online and lists a number of siblings, some of whom appear to be by other mothers than those listed above (surprise, surprise) What do you say? But thats television. Ken Rex McElroy (1934-1981) - Find a Grave Memorial He has guided troubled students through angry and self destructive feelings, assisting them gain composure and self control. Im not being crude or rude I really mean that. According to court records, McElroy tracked them down and brought them back. I intend to write something on it soon. Love ya Bud, Bobby. The Vigilante Killing of Ken Rex McElroy McElroy chose to be a bully. Im glad I was able to find out this information. Right now, Im looking at Skidmore via Google Streets and Google Earth. Maybe because he knew he would no longer be the big man of the block . btw will be reading the book soon. McElroy was charged with assault with intent to kill. The law fails. He was my favorite person in the book and someone I would have really liked to meet. Ken was a psychotic menace and his ending was merciful. Kenneth Rex McElroy is shown in family photo with daughter Tina. Kenneth Rex McElroy "Bully" Murder - Getty Images This woman had her childhood ripped away from her. Whatever happened to the children of ken McElroy? Its astonishing to think the entire population allowed it to go on. I would be interested in hearing from Jeffrey about what he thinks about the reaction. How would he know anything about any of this and of course he did live in Skidmore at the time he is still a very young man. I wish you guys could have had more time together. This poor lady. Say what you will, but not only was Ken Rex an obvious monster, but so was his brainless wife, Trena McElroy. The parents of the minor were legally responsible for the protection of the minor (and for things like education instead of breeding), and not the town. But if it is true that she changed after leaving Skidmore, thats what matters to me. Same with all the killers we see in courts.. their lame defense attorneys snivel that they had a rough child hood. Lots of pictures of the parade. They really do not need their memories spoiled by the memories of the rest of the world. What happened next would be the last straw for many Skidmore residents. The family appeared not to be given any help at all. Harry, I understand that Trena passed away in January 2012 on her birthday.