The lost son of Ken Rex McElroy. They went to high school together. The only way to take down a bully is to confront him and meet force with force including deadly force if need be. Just read your latest blog, in which you talked about your meeting with Jeffrey. Bless you and your family. 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. I previously wrote you on your website about the professional relationship I have the privilege of having with Jeffery. he was a sociopathnot psychotic. "His family was not part of the successful farming community of northwest Missouri. He was still alive in 2007 when you did. Quit posting lame excuses for that criminal. I read the book and believe that the townspeople were fully justified. I understand his thieving ways gave him plenty of cash to attend to his and his familys needs, but WHO did he buy off to get repeated passes on his crimes? After reading and researching the book, I learned that Wilma, Ken s sister has passed away 2 years ago at age 89. Who are the rest of Ken s siblings and are any still alive? The ones still living can be found listed in obituaries of some of the siblings. Although Henry survived to personally testify against McElroy, the bully was still found not guilty. The townspeople were the ones who suffered punishment. Crazy book. Ken McElroy would flip in his grave if he knew one of his children graduated from college and is a successful teacher of special ed kids. He wS sent away. I went through abuse as a child and that abuse tends to make people do things they normally wouldnt do. Of course by far the most referred to source was your book, which I have order but have not received yet. 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) Even his own attorney had to know it. 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. With that kind of love, she began to see how wrong things were when she was with him, but she was a child and children will do as they are told when beatings are involved! What time era was the state of Kansas living in the 12th century??!! May this sweey woman RIP, and she was to young!! You got a beef with a man you settle it with that man. As far as him never being convictedwell, you cant just ignore all those indictments and the rapes! harry my name is sam lewis. He never served a full day in jail for shooting two people why should they be held to a higher standered. McElroy was known to have stolen grain, alcohol, gasoline, antiques, and even livestock. Life is so short.. to be filled with hate and violence. Good and evil are not social constructs. McElroy was born in 1934, he was the fifteenth of sixteen kids - so it really wouldn't be surprising to find out he didn't have much supervision. That being said, I cant sort out the wives and children of Ken. That isnt one side of the story it is a fact. I just want to say to those people who are hard on Trena, as an ex-abused woman, Im telling you, you do exactly what you are told and you do NOT steer from his demands or you pay for it in the end. When your parents show you arbitrary cruelty and dont acknowledge their wrongdoing, it humiliates you, and you begin looking for outlets on which to impose your own anger, so you can feel in control again. Good riddance. Thank you! Thats just like in 1991 movie titled In Broad Daylight, the part of Ken Rex McElroy was given the fictional name of Len Rowan. I prepared for a much older stronger bully when I was a kid by tying a strip of Rawhide through an old Yale padlock. Although some townspeople reported him for violating the terms of his bail by carrying a weapon, McFadin was able to delay the proceedings. Ken Rex McElroy (1934-1981) - Find a Grave Memorial Sharon had children in 1961, '63, '64 and '65, and Sally in '61, '63 and '64. 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? Enjoyed your book greatly and so have others I have passed it on to who have no connection to the area which I do. Im a true crime buff, and your book is one of my favourites. McElroy divorced Alice and married Trena in order to escape charges of statutory rape, to which she was the only witness. The blazing summer heat. If not, it should be on my website. Trena McElroy Passed Away | Harry N. MacLean McElroy was shot at several times while he was sitting in his truck. Your email address will not be published. The thugs of this world breed like animals and the kids carry that genetic defect. It is entertaining seeing what are no doubt urban elitist pontificating, condemning, and throwing around terms like white trash even grammar-shaming while judging the people of 1981 Skidmore with your 2021 morals. She was a wonderful, amazing, caring woman. He told the foster family that he would trade "girl for girl" to get his child back, since he knew where the foster family's biological daughter went to school and what bus route she rode. I agree that the laws are much better this day and time in regard to stalking, etc., but I still dont feel law enforcement did enough in this situation. Either way, the prosecutor and judge are the gate keepers of civil society. Then later the lawsuit , she shouldve 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 . There was still a little packed ice and snow on the ground, so I think it was mid March of 1981. Were they scared of this thug? Cant blame the kids for the fathers sins. But perhaps I should have looked a little deeper into the place. It was uneventful but had a great tenderloin sandwich. The Most Hated Man In Town. The story of Ken McElroy | by Chelsea Rose I dont know just guessing. I was completely immersed in the story while reading it. Sally gave birth to a fourth child in 1965. His bloodline should end. She must have been an amazing woman moving on from this. A six-member coroner's jury Tuesday ruled that McElroy was killed by 'person or persons unknown.' The decision was reached despite the testimony of Trina McElroy, his 24-year-old wife, who said. Jeffrey was 22 and a college graduate when he discovered who his father was. Admitedly he was good at his job. They only understood fear. Too bad. How about the guy Red that ran the bar when Ken was shot? Coincidentally, many of my relatives are at rest in Memorial Gardens within a stones throw from Ken McElroy. People are fully entitled to talk about a thug whether he is DEAD or NOT. Its part of their job to see justice done despite risk to themselves, Were they bought and paid for like the sleezoid lawyer? When you grow up like that you can become an absolute mental slave to someone who makes you feel like you matter to them, particularly if they sink their teeth into you when you are a teenager and your frontal lobes havent fully developed. Give the lady a break. As another poster stated, the Golden Rule could have been applied in this situation. As McElroy got into his pickup truck with his wife Trena McCloud, shots suddenly rang out. Hard working people who never give up. I remember hearing about this story for the very first time on 60 Minutes when I was in high school. If she was there in the tavern she may have been playing a pinball machine or video game elsewhere. Stratton is still kicking up in Bethany. Speaking of her, did she profit at all if the production of the movie? Why did she not publish some more introspective personal responsibility later. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Its use generally means that the person uttering it fears being exposed for his own crimes or the crimes of his friends or family. Only the local pastor and one or two others helped out, especially as it looks like the Bowenkemps were decent hardworking people, really pitied them and their daughter for what they had to go through. 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 . its been said that she moved on & found God and happiness later in life that she had changed . I agree that the kids are the victims here, I am interested to know about them, I read a few blogs and a few posing as his children posted, Tony and Ken Jr posted on one blog, but I dont know for sure if it was them. https://www.maryvilleforum.com/gallery-2021-skidmore-punkin-show/collection_14ebd20e-f5fa-11eb-8cdc-c35d90891f9e.html#1. During his 20s, McElroy became famous among his coon-hunting buddies for his eye for what he called "young meat"adolescent girls. MacLean sums up the townspeople's thought process on Criminal: "'Where was the law? All of them are aware of who their father was. Trena Louise Williams, daughter of Ronald and Treva Peters McNeeley, was born January 24, 1957, in Horton, Kansas. If huge numbers helped one another McElroy wasnt going to kill everyone. Its up to Jeffrey if he wants to share it. at the young of an age. I agree with you and Jack. I understand that was probably the case. Q was quite an interesting fellow. According to Judge on Criminal, he managed this by finding out where members of the jury lived and placing rattlesnakes in their mailboxes as a threat. Ken was a psychotic menace and his ending was merciful. Im not sure if Ken physically abused her but I wouldnt be a bit surprised to learn that he did. I wish I could have met her. Millions upon millions of people endure the exact same problems in early life and dont go through life as a fearsome criminal that the thug was. You can also make the case that it was in defense of the cowardly act of shooting an old man in the neck. By fearing him and and letting him frighten him the empowered him. Ken Rex McElroy (June 1, 1934 July 10, 1981) was an American criminal and convicted attempted murderer who resided in Skidmore, Missouri, United States. Ive never come across Charlie again. Do you have any information on his other wives, Sharon and Alice? Whatever happened to the children of ken McElroy? However, it was more than obvious to the townspeople and the authorities that McElroy was no goodie-two-shoes. So similar to Skidmore. SKIDMORE, Mo. Over the course of his life, McElroy was accused of dozens of felonies, including assault, child molestation, statutory rape, arson, animal cruelty, hog and cattle rustling, and burglary. How old is she? Weighing in at approximately 270 pounds with bushy black sideburns, McElroy held the entire . He found all the loopholes. Ken was a good guy and a good friend with those he was comfortable with. The word snitch is a word mostly used by the criminal elements of our world. But Jeffrey, once he found his mother, learned of a fourth, I believe. American criminal and murder victim, killed by vigilantes, "3 decades on, who killed Skidmore town bully still secret", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator", "Skidmore, Revisited Part 1: The Death of Ken McElroy", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Another Teen Love", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Saved by the Law", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Intent to Kill", The Death Of Ken McElroy *Interesting History* - YouTube, "AS her daughter Tami listens, Trena McElroy retells how she watched", "3 decades on, who killed Skidmore town bully still secret | McClatchy", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Murder in Broad Daylight", "Wrongful death lawsuit settled in re Ken McElroy", "Trena McElroy Passed Away | Harry N. MacLean", "You Get What You Pay For, by Larry Beinhart", "Stream It Or Skip It: 'No One Saw A Thing' On SundanceTV, A Docuseries About How Skidmore, Missouri Has Kept A Murder Unsolved For 38 Years", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ken_McElroy&oldid=1152530848, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Pages using infobox criminal with known for parameter, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Bo Bowenkamp (survived an attempted murder), This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 20:12. THAT is the nature of the sociopath. I would also like to ask, When did Alice Wood passed away? When the shooting happened in 1980, a friend, who had been working at the hospital in 1973, told me, that baby being kept hidden was Ken & Trenas son. DNA can and is irrefutable evidence though. This guy had dark hair, and a small paunch. I currently work with him in a Behavioral/Learning Disorders School in Kansas City. Born into a crowded family, Ken McElroy would soon make a name for himself in the worst way. The T O W N failed to protect the 12 year old? Its amazing that she was able to recover and lead a fulfilling life. 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. Where was the law when KR was intimidating everyone including the law and their family and most importantly, where was the law for Trena? Damien, The figure sitting across from me at the small table only barely resembled the young man I had met almost twenty years ago. Harry, Trena passed away in 2012 I think and did remarry. Which is one of the big reasons the rustling really bothered me. That act alone showed me what that woman was really all about. A judge aint gonna do anything, Caitlin, and I thought I told you to shut your clown whore mouth! Cause she did stick up for him! The lot where Kens house once was still stands empty, although there is a trailer in the woods behind it. Its an old saying, but one can argue that his children are also victims in this case. In one, he is holding his daughter in his lap and looking into the camera. You guys couldn't take care of him, we had to take care of him,'" the author says. God bless her families, that they my know Him and their lives will be full of blessings. He was one of the jurors on the Romaine Henry case. Once they got ahold of this story they sucked the life out of that town. Btw Who do they think kidnapped Branson? No one is to blame. 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. One of the kids I thinkbut Im not sureis in Philly. It will probably remain unsolved. Congratulations should have been in order after they delivered her from his wicked grasp. Harry, my name is Summer Gross. This all happened over three decades before he was even born. They were innocent of all of this. And, whether one wishes to believe it Ken McElroy was in a paradoxical sense victimized by his lack of education, poverty stricken upbringing, a father who refused to punish him for his bad behaviour and his own seeming inability to improve his lot in life by trying to educate himself, work a legitimate job and learning to respect women and the townsfolk. Fear was Ken Rexs weapon and he used it well. They were poor, they had come from Kansas, he kind of grew up resenting those he considered to be more successful. You need to get a job yourself and quit sniveling. Good for her , if thats true she (I believe) is in heaven because were all sinners & God gives us a chance to redeem ourselves & it sounds like trena redeemed herself . The case was later settled out of court by all parties for $17,600, with no one admitting guilt, for the stated reason of avoiding costly legal fees should the suit proceed. In Broad Daylight - YouTube Very interesting. Ken was my grandfather derome was my father Im deromes oldest my mother is trace I wish I could of meet my grandfather. Jeff proved that to me! Sounds naive I know, but I feel hope that perhaps Ken McElroy may well have found God, even if tangentially. Very informative and interesting post. I am almost finished with the book, & am shocked at everything that Ken McElroy got away with! Its located on 9th st by Patee House. The lost son of Ken Rex McElroy. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) PURCHASE A LICENSE. The Town That Got Away With Murder - Ken Rex McElroy She had to of been a strong woman to endure what she did and come out okay! The other suspect is still alive. She lost and rightly so. Thats lousy that they didnt even have the decency to credit you. The law did nothing to help. NO BREAKS ON THIS ONE !!!! Im going crazy, trying to find out the answer to this one question I have about this whole thing. He was a coward so beating him half to death or wounding him would have only caused him to back shoot someone like the grocer or ambush you. 13 Things About Ken McElroy's Shooting You Need To Know Before - Bustle You dont have that many people of one mind unless there is a serious situation. She still seemed somewhat like a child when I met her. lots of unanswered questions, just like KR no one will talk, here they have shirts that say stop snitchin, but I say if u know something tell it. I agree your feelings toward Trenashe really was grabbed at a very young age, and no one really stuck up for her, certainly not her parentsbut I know others in the area arent so forgiving. She will always carry her friend ship in my heart. Lisa, found Sally in a very similiar fashion as I had and she too moved to Sallys town about a year before I did. Its clear there is no zoning or zoning enforcement in Skidmore. He would have only threatened me with a gun one time. That human trash partner of hers wasnt worth anythinglet alone the millions she attempted to steal via the legal system. McCloud identified D&G owner Del Clement as one of the shooters, but Clement was never officially charged with the crime, Mental Floss writes. Im not sure I agree that her parents just turned her over to him they lost their home and dog (twice if I recall correctly). I thought the group on this thread would appreciate and find the following link interesting. I am not from Missouri, but I have been fascinated by this story since I saw the movie in the 80s. Everyone wants to know how he controlled a little girl and others. 5 6 7 facts known about the Ken McElroy shooting. Uggh. He said that the jerk stared at each and every juror like he was intent on doing harm to eacha crazy look as dad described it. As for her having a choice, no, no,no! LOL This is plain ridiculous. But thats television. Stealing livestock, ambushing people. It happens. That alone should have put him away. It took a few years of us knowing each other before I discovered the connection. I think McElroys lawyer might have encouraged her to file the lawsuit. Sorry, I havent lived in St. Joe in 20 years and didnt realize I had reversed that until I re-read my post just now. This accident led to severe chronic pain and possible brain damage that plagued McElroy throughout his life, which some townspeople believe attributed to or exacerbated his violent behavior and erratic temper. He was a great state trooper and sheriff and still a well known man today. She was trash, like her bully husband. I decided at an early age to never go looking for trouble. Ken married first name McElroy. Jeffrey is a softspoken man. I have known Mr. Dalsing since 1999. Whatever became of Kens kids, Juarez, Tonia, and Ken Jr? If she hadnt been terrorized to keep her out of court, she would have probably ended up with substantially more It saddens me though that you only know(write about) the GIRL she was, not the WOMAN she became, she was loved by so many and left this world much much to early!!!!! It would be worth something to day. I seriously doubt that his father being ken rex mcelroy has anything to do with who he is today after all he did not even know the man. Still hard to believe it happened in 1981 rather than 1891. . I live in Lawrence, Kansas which is about 90 miles from Skidmore, Missouri. Eventually, he moved to her town and lived there for two years in an attempt to help her overcome her severe alcohol problems. Did he terrify judges? Anonymity, his just desserts. Perhaps she was plain and nave but she was always aware of what Ken was doing; every day of it. Richard Stratton is still alive and kicking. Im sure the only regret those 45+ people have is that they didnt do it sooner. Many elements in common with McElroy/Skidmore: small town local bully, law enforcement and legal system unable to manage the issue and ultimately townspeople took matters into their own hands. On April 2, 1983, she was united in marriage Kenneth Howard Williams, and. Mouse was a good looking teenager but he had a violent streak. i know that the town never had any intent in shooting trena. HOW did some guy who started impoverished get the kind of clout/connections it takes to get a pass from their earliest arrests. The reason the lack of resolution around McElroy's death is so noteworthy is because of the simple fact that the man was gunned down in the middle of the street in broad daylight in front of approximately 60 witnesses; and yet, to date, nobody has ever been charged with the crime. Jeff had had a hernia. Trena did try to fight for justice for Ken but really, in the end she gained her freedom which was priceless and honestly, had more value. It might be worth something to a fanatic if it still exists. Half the people there in 1981 are gone now, and they arent being replaced. Interesting. As the case dragged on without a court date, Henry said McElroy had parked outside his home at least 100 times. GRANDDAUGHTER, your grandma was the sweetest person I could ever find. I drove through there one day, slowed down, parked, and got a very unpleasant feeling. I truely believe Jeffery has found his calling in helping others and, although I will not speculate, feel that his history plays an important role in what he does. Now he had to deal with the truth. Nothing was ever done. Very well said. Loved the book! Although Trena rode with McElroy at the end, she was victimized by him at age 12. i am happy that she did get to move on and live a happy life. ive done alot of surching on the story lately and am sorry to hear that trena passed. In late 1964, with Sharon again pregnant and both young women with newborns, McElroy took up with Alice, a 15-year-old from St. Joseph, Mo., 50 miles south of Skidmore. The thought of all of the rotten crap McFadin pulled in order to protect his criminal client makes me sick to my stomach. City Confidential pissed me off because all of the info in the show came from my book and they failed to credit it. When I visited often in the late 50s, 60s & early 70s, it was a prettier & quiet little town. If you are a decent human being there is no way you can condone his actions! It's no secret that our culture is obsessed with true crime stories, thanks to the likes of Serial and Making A Murderer and there are few crime stories more intriguing than an unsolved murder. I wanted to feel bad for her after all she endured as a child but too much just doesnt really come together. funny how all you people talk crap about a dead man. There is a photo of Trena with Alice in the book, and an obituary photo of Trena in an earlier post on this blog. To wear such a shirt is a real indicator of the kind of person you are looking at. The Bowenkemps, the Strattons, the Preachers family and probably countless others? I guess I never understood it completely. In her defense, however, she may have been suffering from Stockholm Symdrome that caused her to love him so much. When she was at her worst it is clear to any thinking person that she was possessed by that human demon through relentless abuse. he is smart, attractive, sweet, caring, and has a bigger heart than anyone I have ever known. Visited the places you wrote about. Hows Kriss Goslee? The law even puts away innocent people, and executes innocent people. This is nonthing more than a book writer who got made rich and well known for publishing this crap!!! I, of course, never met McElroy, but Ive heard the descriptions and Ive seen the pictures. Kenneth Rex McElroy "Bully" Murder - Getty Images Sharon (1st wife) children; son, daughter (Tina), daughter (Teresa), daughter (Tammy), daughter (???). I know this is a bit old to respond, but that was a loving tribute to your Grandma! Then, when it suited their purpose, they were finished with him and made sure that no one was prosecuted for his death. Background. Kriss lives in Skidmore. anyhing good about him. Wife says one of 60 vigilantes killed husband - UPI Archives Two of the children, a boy and a girl, were adopted together, to a family in St. Joe. He was known as "the town bully",[1] and his unsolved killing became the focus of international attention. I dont remember exactly when Alice passed away, but it was at least 5 years, from cancer. Is Steve Peter still around Skidmore, & if so what is he doing now days? As the mother of a son with special needs, I applaud those like Jeffrey who choose to work in this difficult field. The bottom line is, without witnesses (which McElroy threatened and intimidated so that they wouldnt testify), any conviction was unlikely. Juarez was a menace. Personally, I am shocked his reign of terror lasted as long as it did. To me, what makes a person unforgivable is their refusal to repent for their actions. He stole their livelihood in many ways. I feel I owe you a debt for making me forget this damn pandemic for a while! 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. I am sure that she was a wonderful person and I am so glad that she was remarried wot a man who was good to her, glad to hear that trena finally found happiness & from what I understand became a Christian but when you look at someones life you must look at the whole context .. not just parts that you want . Im glad she got away from him and found a better life for herself. And neither of them had parents who were able to serve as any kind of good role model. Whatever dont be killing your self. And why is her family so defensive? She lived in Conway, Missouri, and apparently died of cancer. Del saved a lot of people, especially young girls/women, from the terror of this man. Jeffrey knew the story. City Confidential is a rip off of the book, and it annoys me to hear it cited for anything. 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. It is very difficult to escape an abusive situation even as an adult. In reference to Tammy Hiltons question, the fourth child Ken Jr., Lisa and myself were Sallys and Kens biological children. 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 biggest culprit to hit Skidmore was/is the media. Suing the town was not right but perhaps there were pragmatic reasons (being a single mother without anyone but Ken to rely on, maybe; having to rapidly relocate). Growing up poor MEANS NOTHING. A few stiff sentences, and Dan would have been forgotten, as he deserved to be. I plan to write a rebuttal to the show it was all inference and speculation and wishful thinking. Im guessing the third shooter was a brother of either clement or dowling; or a second member of the group of four planning to testify. Sadly,like in many place,these folks were probably considered poor white trash and the law looked the other way. You are in no position to talk :).
The lost son of Ken Rex McElroy. They went to high school together. The only way to take down a bully is to confront him and meet force with force including deadly force if need be. Just read your latest blog, in which you talked about your meeting with Jeffrey. Bless you and your family. 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. I previously wrote you on your website about the professional relationship I have the privilege of having with Jeffery. he was a sociopathnot psychotic. "His family was not part of the successful farming community of northwest Missouri. He was still alive in 2007 when you did. Quit posting lame excuses for that criminal. I read the book and believe that the townspeople were fully justified. I understand his thieving ways gave him plenty of cash to attend to his and his familys needs, but WHO did he buy off to get repeated passes on his crimes? After reading and researching the book, I learned that Wilma, Ken s sister has passed away 2 years ago at age 89. Who are the rest of Ken s siblings and are any still alive? The ones still living can be found listed in obituaries of some of the siblings. Although Henry survived to personally testify against McElroy, the bully was still found not guilty. The townspeople were the ones who suffered punishment. Crazy book. Ken McElroy would flip in his grave if he knew one of his children graduated from college and is a successful teacher of special ed kids. He wS sent away. I went through abuse as a child and that abuse tends to make people do things they normally wouldnt do. Of course by far the most referred to source was your book, which I have order but have not received yet. 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) Even his own attorney had to know it. 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. With that kind of love, she began to see how wrong things were when she was with him, but she was a child and children will do as they are told when beatings are involved! What time era was the state of Kansas living in the 12th century??!! May this sweey woman RIP, and she was to young!! You got a beef with a man you settle it with that man. As far as him never being convictedwell, you cant just ignore all those indictments and the rapes! harry my name is sam lewis. He never served a full day in jail for shooting two people why should they be held to a higher standered. McElroy was known to have stolen grain, alcohol, gasoline, antiques, and even livestock. Life is so short.. to be filled with hate and violence. Good and evil are not social constructs. McElroy was born in 1934, he was the fifteenth of sixteen kids - so it really wouldn't be surprising to find out he didn't have much supervision. That being said, I cant sort out the wives and children of Ken. That isnt one side of the story it is a fact. I just want to say to those people who are hard on Trena, as an ex-abused woman, Im telling you, you do exactly what you are told and you do NOT steer from his demands or you pay for it in the end. When your parents show you arbitrary cruelty and dont acknowledge their wrongdoing, it humiliates you, and you begin looking for outlets on which to impose your own anger, so you can feel in control again. Good riddance. Thank you! Thats just like in 1991 movie titled In Broad Daylight, the part of Ken Rex McElroy was given the fictional name of Len Rowan. I prepared for a much older stronger bully when I was a kid by tying a strip of Rawhide through an old Yale padlock. Although some townspeople reported him for violating the terms of his bail by carrying a weapon, McFadin was able to delay the proceedings. Ken Rex McElroy (1934-1981) - Find a Grave Memorial Sharon had children in 1961, '63, '64 and '65, and Sally in '61, '63 and '64. 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? Enjoyed your book greatly and so have others I have passed it on to who have no connection to the area which I do. Im a true crime buff, and your book is one of my favourites. McElroy divorced Alice and married Trena in order to escape charges of statutory rape, to which she was the only witness. The blazing summer heat. If not, it should be on my website. Trena McElroy Passed Away | Harry N. MacLean McElroy was shot at several times while he was sitting in his truck. Your email address will not be published. The thugs of this world breed like animals and the kids carry that genetic defect. It is entertaining seeing what are no doubt urban elitist pontificating, condemning, and throwing around terms like white trash even grammar-shaming while judging the people of 1981 Skidmore with your 2021 morals. She was a wonderful, amazing, caring woman. He told the foster family that he would trade "girl for girl" to get his child back, since he knew where the foster family's biological daughter went to school and what bus route she rode. I agree that the laws are much better this day and time in regard to stalking, etc., but I still dont feel law enforcement did enough in this situation. Either way, the prosecutor and judge are the gate keepers of civil society. Then later the lawsuit , she shouldve 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 . There was still a little packed ice and snow on the ground, so I think it was mid March of 1981. Were they scared of this thug? Cant blame the kids for the fathers sins. But perhaps I should have looked a little deeper into the place. It was uneventful but had a great tenderloin sandwich. The Most Hated Man In Town. The story of Ken McElroy | by Chelsea Rose I dont know just guessing. I was completely immersed in the story while reading it. Sally gave birth to a fourth child in 1965. His bloodline should end. She must have been an amazing woman moving on from this. A six-member coroner's jury Tuesday ruled that McElroy was killed by 'person or persons unknown.' The decision was reached despite the testimony of Trina McElroy, his 24-year-old wife, who said. Jeffrey was 22 and a college graduate when he discovered who his father was. Admitedly he was good at his job. They only understood fear. Too bad. How about the guy Red that ran the bar when Ken was shot? Coincidentally, many of my relatives are at rest in Memorial Gardens within a stones throw from Ken McElroy. People are fully entitled to talk about a thug whether he is DEAD or NOT. Its part of their job to see justice done despite risk to themselves, Were they bought and paid for like the sleezoid lawyer? When you grow up like that you can become an absolute mental slave to someone who makes you feel like you matter to them, particularly if they sink their teeth into you when you are a teenager and your frontal lobes havent fully developed. Give the lady a break. As another poster stated, the Golden Rule could have been applied in this situation. As McElroy got into his pickup truck with his wife Trena McCloud, shots suddenly rang out. Hard working people who never give up. I remember hearing about this story for the very first time on 60 Minutes when I was in high school. If she was there in the tavern she may have been playing a pinball machine or video game elsewhere. Stratton is still kicking up in Bethany. Speaking of her, did she profit at all if the production of the movie? Why did she not publish some more introspective personal responsibility later. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Its use generally means that the person uttering it fears being exposed for his own crimes or the crimes of his friends or family. Only the local pastor and one or two others helped out, especially as it looks like the Bowenkemps were decent hardworking people, really pitied them and their daughter for what they had to go through. 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 . its been said that she moved on & found God and happiness later in life that she had changed . I agree that the kids are the victims here, I am interested to know about them, I read a few blogs and a few posing as his children posted, Tony and Ken Jr posted on one blog, but I dont know for sure if it was them. https://www.maryvilleforum.com/gallery-2021-skidmore-punkin-show/collection_14ebd20e-f5fa-11eb-8cdc-c35d90891f9e.html#1. During his 20s, McElroy became famous among his coon-hunting buddies for his eye for what he called "young meat"adolescent girls. MacLean sums up the townspeople's thought process on Criminal: "'Where was the law? All of them are aware of who their father was. Trena Louise Williams, daughter of Ronald and Treva Peters McNeeley, was born January 24, 1957, in Horton, Kansas. If huge numbers helped one another McElroy wasnt going to kill everyone. Its up to Jeffrey if he wants to share it. at the young of an age. I agree with you and Jack. I understand that was probably the case. Q was quite an interesting fellow. According to Judge on Criminal, he managed this by finding out where members of the jury lived and placing rattlesnakes in their mailboxes as a threat. Ken was a psychotic menace and his ending was merciful. Im not sure if Ken physically abused her but I wouldnt be a bit surprised to learn that he did. I wish I could have met her. Millions upon millions of people endure the exact same problems in early life and dont go through life as a fearsome criminal that the thug was. You can also make the case that it was in defense of the cowardly act of shooting an old man in the neck. By fearing him and and letting him frighten him the empowered him. Ken Rex McElroy (June 1, 1934 July 10, 1981) was an American criminal and convicted attempted murderer who resided in Skidmore, Missouri, United States. Ive never come across Charlie again. Do you have any information on his other wives, Sharon and Alice? Whatever happened to the children of ken McElroy? However, it was more than obvious to the townspeople and the authorities that McElroy was no goodie-two-shoes. So similar to Skidmore. SKIDMORE, Mo. Over the course of his life, McElroy was accused of dozens of felonies, including assault, child molestation, statutory rape, arson, animal cruelty, hog and cattle rustling, and burglary. How old is she? Weighing in at approximately 270 pounds with bushy black sideburns, McElroy held the entire . He found all the loopholes. Ken was a good guy and a good friend with those he was comfortable with. The word snitch is a word mostly used by the criminal elements of our world. But Jeffrey, once he found his mother, learned of a fourth, I believe. American criminal and murder victim, killed by vigilantes, "3 decades on, who killed Skidmore town bully still secret", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator", "Skidmore, Revisited Part 1: The Death of Ken McElroy", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Another Teen Love", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Saved by the Law", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Intent to Kill", The Death Of Ken McElroy *Interesting History* - YouTube, "AS her daughter Tami listens, Trena McElroy retells how she watched", "3 decades on, who killed Skidmore town bully still secret | McClatchy", "Ken McElroy Murderer, rapist and consummate intimidator Murder in Broad Daylight", "Wrongful death lawsuit settled in re Ken McElroy", "Trena McElroy Passed Away | Harry N. MacLean", "You Get What You Pay For, by Larry Beinhart", "Stream It Or Skip It: 'No One Saw A Thing' On SundanceTV, A Docuseries About How Skidmore, Missouri Has Kept A Murder Unsolved For 38 Years", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ken_McElroy&oldid=1152530848, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Pages using infobox criminal with known for parameter, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Bo Bowenkamp (survived an attempted murder), This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 20:12. THAT is the nature of the sociopath. I would also like to ask, When did Alice Wood passed away? When the shooting happened in 1980, a friend, who had been working at the hospital in 1973, told me, that baby being kept hidden was Ken & Trenas son. DNA can and is irrefutable evidence though. This guy had dark hair, and a small paunch. I currently work with him in a Behavioral/Learning Disorders School in Kansas City. Born into a crowded family, Ken McElroy would soon make a name for himself in the worst way. The T O W N failed to protect the 12 year old? Its amazing that she was able to recover and lead a fulfilling life. 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. Where was the law when KR was intimidating everyone including the law and their family and most importantly, where was the law for Trena? Damien, The figure sitting across from me at the small table only barely resembled the young man I had met almost twenty years ago. Harry, Trena passed away in 2012 I think and did remarry. Which is one of the big reasons the rustling really bothered me. That act alone showed me what that woman was really all about. A judge aint gonna do anything, Caitlin, and I thought I told you to shut your clown whore mouth! Cause she did stick up for him! The lot where Kens house once was still stands empty, although there is a trailer in the woods behind it. Its an old saying, but one can argue that his children are also victims in this case. In one, he is holding his daughter in his lap and looking into the camera. You guys couldn't take care of him, we had to take care of him,'" the author says. God bless her families, that they my know Him and their lives will be full of blessings. He was one of the jurors on the Romaine Henry case. Once they got ahold of this story they sucked the life out of that town. Btw Who do they think kidnapped Branson? No one is to blame. 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. One of the kids I thinkbut Im not sureis in Philly. It will probably remain unsolved. Congratulations should have been in order after they delivered her from his wicked grasp. Harry, my name is Summer Gross. This all happened over three decades before he was even born. They were innocent of all of this. And, whether one wishes to believe it Ken McElroy was in a paradoxical sense victimized by his lack of education, poverty stricken upbringing, a father who refused to punish him for his bad behaviour and his own seeming inability to improve his lot in life by trying to educate himself, work a legitimate job and learning to respect women and the townsfolk. Fear was Ken Rexs weapon and he used it well. They were poor, they had come from Kansas, he kind of grew up resenting those he considered to be more successful. You need to get a job yourself and quit sniveling. Good for her , if thats true she (I believe) is in heaven because were all sinners & God gives us a chance to redeem ourselves & it sounds like trena redeemed herself . The case was later settled out of court by all parties for $17,600, with no one admitting guilt, for the stated reason of avoiding costly legal fees should the suit proceed. In Broad Daylight - YouTube Very interesting. Ken was my grandfather derome was my father Im deromes oldest my mother is trace I wish I could of meet my grandfather. Jeff proved that to me! Sounds naive I know, but I feel hope that perhaps Ken McElroy may well have found God, even if tangentially. Very informative and interesting post. I am almost finished with the book, & am shocked at everything that Ken McElroy got away with! Its located on 9th st by Patee House. The lost son of Ken Rex McElroy. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) PURCHASE A LICENSE. The Town That Got Away With Murder - Ken Rex McElroy She had to of been a strong woman to endure what she did and come out okay! The other suspect is still alive. She lost and rightly so. Thats lousy that they didnt even have the decency to credit you. The law did nothing to help. NO BREAKS ON THIS ONE !!!! Im going crazy, trying to find out the answer to this one question I have about this whole thing. He was a coward so beating him half to death or wounding him would have only caused him to back shoot someone like the grocer or ambush you. 13 Things About Ken McElroy's Shooting You Need To Know Before - Bustle You dont have that many people of one mind unless there is a serious situation. She still seemed somewhat like a child when I met her. lots of unanswered questions, just like KR no one will talk, here they have shirts that say stop snitchin, but I say if u know something tell it. I agree your feelings toward Trenashe really was grabbed at a very young age, and no one really stuck up for her, certainly not her parentsbut I know others in the area arent so forgiving. She will always carry her friend ship in my heart. Lisa, found Sally in a very similiar fashion as I had and she too moved to Sallys town about a year before I did. Its clear there is no zoning or zoning enforcement in Skidmore. He would have only threatened me with a gun one time. That human trash partner of hers wasnt worth anythinglet alone the millions she attempted to steal via the legal system. McCloud identified D&G owner Del Clement as one of the shooters, but Clement was never officially charged with the crime, Mental Floss writes. Im not sure I agree that her parents just turned her over to him they lost their home and dog (twice if I recall correctly). I thought the group on this thread would appreciate and find the following link interesting. I am not from Missouri, but I have been fascinated by this story since I saw the movie in the 80s. Everyone wants to know how he controlled a little girl and others. 5 6 7 facts known about the Ken McElroy shooting. Uggh. He said that the jerk stared at each and every juror like he was intent on doing harm to eacha crazy look as dad described it. As for her having a choice, no, no,no! LOL This is plain ridiculous. But thats television. Stealing livestock, ambushing people. It happens. That alone should have put him away. It took a few years of us knowing each other before I discovered the connection. I think McElroys lawyer might have encouraged her to file the lawsuit. Sorry, I havent lived in St. Joe in 20 years and didnt realize I had reversed that until I re-read my post just now. This accident led to severe chronic pain and possible brain damage that plagued McElroy throughout his life, which some townspeople believe attributed to or exacerbated his violent behavior and erratic temper. He was a great state trooper and sheriff and still a well known man today. She was trash, like her bully husband. I decided at an early age to never go looking for trouble. Ken married first name McElroy. Jeffrey is a softspoken man. I have known Mr. Dalsing since 1999. Whatever became of Kens kids, Juarez, Tonia, and Ken Jr? If she hadnt been terrorized to keep her out of court, she would have probably ended up with substantially more It saddens me though that you only know(write about) the GIRL she was, not the WOMAN she became, she was loved by so many and left this world much much to early!!!!! It would be worth something to day. I seriously doubt that his father being ken rex mcelroy has anything to do with who he is today after all he did not even know the man. Still hard to believe it happened in 1981 rather than 1891. . I live in Lawrence, Kansas which is about 90 miles from Skidmore, Missouri. Eventually, he moved to her town and lived there for two years in an attempt to help her overcome her severe alcohol problems. Did he terrify judges? Anonymity, his just desserts. Perhaps she was plain and nave but she was always aware of what Ken was doing; every day of it. Richard Stratton is still alive and kicking. Im sure the only regret those 45+ people have is that they didnt do it sooner. Many elements in common with McElroy/Skidmore: small town local bully, law enforcement and legal system unable to manage the issue and ultimately townspeople took matters into their own hands. On April 2, 1983, she was united in marriage Kenneth Howard Williams, and. Mouse was a good looking teenager but he had a violent streak. i know that the town never had any intent in shooting trena. HOW did some guy who started impoverished get the kind of clout/connections it takes to get a pass from their earliest arrests. The reason the lack of resolution around McElroy's death is so noteworthy is because of the simple fact that the man was gunned down in the middle of the street in broad daylight in front of approximately 60 witnesses; and yet, to date, nobody has ever been charged with the crime. Jeff had had a hernia. Trena did try to fight for justice for Ken but really, in the end she gained her freedom which was priceless and honestly, had more value. It might be worth something to a fanatic if it still exists. Half the people there in 1981 are gone now, and they arent being replaced. Interesting. As the case dragged on without a court date, Henry said McElroy had parked outside his home at least 100 times. GRANDDAUGHTER, your grandma was the sweetest person I could ever find. I drove through there one day, slowed down, parked, and got a very unpleasant feeling. I truely believe Jeffery has found his calling in helping others and, although I will not speculate, feel that his history plays an important role in what he does. Now he had to deal with the truth. Nothing was ever done. Very well said. Loved the book! Although Trena rode with McElroy at the end, she was victimized by him at age 12. i am happy that she did get to move on and live a happy life. ive done alot of surching on the story lately and am sorry to hear that trena passed. In late 1964, with Sharon again pregnant and both young women with newborns, McElroy took up with Alice, a 15-year-old from St. Joseph, Mo., 50 miles south of Skidmore. The thought of all of the rotten crap McFadin pulled in order to protect his criminal client makes me sick to my stomach. City Confidential pissed me off because all of the info in the show came from my book and they failed to credit it. When I visited often in the late 50s, 60s & early 70s, it was a prettier & quiet little town. If you are a decent human being there is no way you can condone his actions! It's no secret that our culture is obsessed with true crime stories, thanks to the likes of Serial and Making A Murderer and there are few crime stories more intriguing than an unsolved murder. I wanted to feel bad for her after all she endured as a child but too much just doesnt really come together. funny how all you people talk crap about a dead man. There is a photo of Trena with Alice in the book, and an obituary photo of Trena in an earlier post on this blog. To wear such a shirt is a real indicator of the kind of person you are looking at. The Bowenkemps, the Strattons, the Preachers family and probably countless others? I guess I never understood it completely. In her defense, however, she may have been suffering from Stockholm Symdrome that caused her to love him so much. When she was at her worst it is clear to any thinking person that she was possessed by that human demon through relentless abuse. he is smart, attractive, sweet, caring, and has a bigger heart than anyone I have ever known. Visited the places you wrote about. Hows Kriss Goslee? The law even puts away innocent people, and executes innocent people. This is nonthing more than a book writer who got made rich and well known for publishing this crap!!! I, of course, never met McElroy, but Ive heard the descriptions and Ive seen the pictures. Kenneth Rex McElroy "Bully" Murder - Getty Images Sharon (1st wife) children; son, daughter (Tina), daughter (Teresa), daughter (Tammy), daughter (???). I know this is a bit old to respond, but that was a loving tribute to your Grandma! Then, when it suited their purpose, they were finished with him and made sure that no one was prosecuted for his death. Background. Kriss lives in Skidmore. anyhing good about him. Wife says one of 60 vigilantes killed husband - UPI Archives Two of the children, a boy and a girl, were adopted together, to a family in St. Joe. He was known as "the town bully",[1] and his unsolved killing became the focus of international attention. I dont remember exactly when Alice passed away, but it was at least 5 years, from cancer. Is Steve Peter still around Skidmore, & if so what is he doing now days? As the mother of a son with special needs, I applaud those like Jeffrey who choose to work in this difficult field. The bottom line is, without witnesses (which McElroy threatened and intimidated so that they wouldnt testify), any conviction was unlikely. Juarez was a menace. Personally, I am shocked his reign of terror lasted as long as it did. To me, what makes a person unforgivable is their refusal to repent for their actions. He stole their livelihood in many ways. I feel I owe you a debt for making me forget this damn pandemic for a while! 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. I am sure that she was a wonderful person and I am so glad that she was remarried wot a man who was good to her, glad to hear that trena finally found happiness & from what I understand became a Christian but when you look at someones life you must look at the whole context .. not just parts that you want . Im glad she got away from him and found a better life for herself. And neither of them had parents who were able to serve as any kind of good role model. Whatever dont be killing your self. And why is her family so defensive? She lived in Conway, Missouri, and apparently died of cancer. Del saved a lot of people, especially young girls/women, from the terror of this man. Jeffrey knew the story. City Confidential is a rip off of the book, and it annoys me to hear it cited for anything. 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. It is very difficult to escape an abusive situation even as an adult. In reference to Tammy Hiltons question, the fourth child Ken Jr., Lisa and myself were Sallys and Kens biological children. 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 biggest culprit to hit Skidmore was/is the media. Suing the town was not right but perhaps there were pragmatic reasons (being a single mother without anyone but Ken to rely on, maybe; having to rapidly relocate). Growing up poor MEANS NOTHING. A few stiff sentences, and Dan would have been forgotten, as he deserved to be. I plan to write a rebuttal to the show it was all inference and speculation and wishful thinking. Im guessing the third shooter was a brother of either clement or dowling; or a second member of the group of four planning to testify. Sadly,like in many place,these folks were probably considered poor white trash and the law looked the other way. You are in no position to talk :). The Hexell Brothers Essex Gangsters,
Articles K
