Overview
Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious criminal and town bully in Skidmore, Missouri, was murdered in 1981 in broad daylight with dozens of witnesses present. Despite this, a coordinated community silence ensured that his killers were never identified or prosecuted, making the case a unique instance of collective vigilante justice.
Background and Early Life
- Ken Rex McElroy was born in 1934 to migrant farmers and left school at 15.
- He became notorious for cattle rustling, theft, and intimidation throughout Skidmore.
Criminal History and Tactics
- McElroy avoided convictions 21 times by intimidating witnesses, lawyers, and judges.
- He manipulated the legal system and terrorized those who attempted to stand up to him.
Relationships and Abuses
- McElroy met Trena McCloud (aged 12) and coerced her into marriage, resulting in abuse and criminal charges.
- He retaliated violently against Trena's family, including arson and threats.
Escalating Violence
- In 1976, McElroy shot farmer Romaine Henry but was acquitted after witnesses retracted testimony due to intimidation.
- McElroy had 11 children with three women and was linked to numerous violent and criminal acts.
Final Confrontation with the Town
- In 1980, McElroy shot Skidmore grocer “Bo” Bowenkamp after a dispute over alleged theft by his daughter.
- Although convicted of assault, McElroy was released pending appeal, enraging the townspeople.
Town Response and Murder
- A town meeting discussed concerns about McElroy, possibly including plans for vigilante action.
- On July 10, 1981, over 30 residents confronted McElroy and shot him in his truck in broad daylight.
- No one came to his aid, and no one assisted law enforcement.
Aftermath and Investigation
- Despite multiple witnesses and physical evidence suggesting more than one shooter, no suspects were ever charged.
- The town collectively refused to cooperate with authorities or the FBI, thwarting all investigations.
Legal Actions and Legacy
- Trena McElroy accused Del Clement but no evidence or confessions emerged; a wrongful death suit settled for $17,000.
- The case inspired the book "In Broad Daylight" (1988) and a TV film adaptation (1999).
- Trena later remarried and died in 2012.
Decisions
- The community chose not to cooperate with authorities, resulting in no arrests for McElroy's murder.
- A settlement was reached in Trena's wrongful death lawsuit, with no admission of wrongdoing.
Action Items
- (No explicit ongoing actions specified in the transcript.)