McElroy was accused of raping two young women, as young as 12 years old, both of whom he was said to have "married" to keep them from testifying against him. Glad to hear she moved on to a happy life, sorry she died so cruelly. Ill talk to him as time goes along. A very interesting post, and thanks for the kind words. It was Valley Road at the time. As the mother of a son with special needs, I applaud those like Jeffrey who choose to work in this difficult field. They operate a gourmet traveling food stand. I get what you are saying, but consider that many violent people (rapists especially) often say things like, I just couldnt help myself, becausefill in the blank. When they find themselves in prison around even tougher people or surrounded by armed guards, they control themselves and behave better. Im sorry to hear that your Grandmother was relatively young when she passed. Did she give the money back? Uggh. I dont understand how a man could allow someone to take your child without putting up a good fight ! Ken Rex McElroy was born Jun 16 1934 [1], the fifteenth of sixteen children born to a poor, migrant tenant-farming couple named Tony and Mabel (ne Lister) McElroy, who had moved between Kansas and the Ozarks before settling outside of Skidmore. Your email address will not be published. Their rights were ignored completely. 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? McElroy must have paid him dearly. It takes a lot to reverse that type of brainwashing and Im grateful she found someone to treat her that way she truly deserved. Even your sniveling about the author being a rich is typical of a problem personality. I had relatives in Fillmore, MO and found your comments of there a bit mean. 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. The ability to get away with bad behavior from being a knee high scoundrel, probably from his father having too many kids. In the truck was the body of Ken Rex McElroy, who was known in Skidmore as the "town bully.". As as child victim myself I really tried to feel sympathy for Trena, but try as I might I can not comprehend defending your abuser. Not a good time for anyone involved in the story and it ended as fate intended it to end. 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). He stole their livelihood in many ways. McElroy fathered more than 10 children with different women. Harry, I understand that Trena passed away in January 2012 on her birthday. 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. funny how all you people talk crap about a dead man. That might have been the St. Joe case, where he pulled a gun on a couple, and right before trial they backed out. Ive tried to leave her pretty much alone the last few years, let her see if she can find a normal life to live. A town having inadequate policing. She use to ride around with Ken holding a gun, she liked all that abusive power. Unsolved recounts how approximately 60 people were in attendance at the meeting, including both the mayor and the sheriff. Some of them have posted here; others have responded on my web site. she was lucky enough to get outta the truck that hot summer day when Ken was MURDERED .. & call it what you want .. vigilante justice or whatever .. it was MURDER. Do not listen to the comments made by people who talked about what she did while married to that monster. The thought of all of the rotten crap McFadin pulled in order to protect his criminal client makes me sick to my stomach. Sounds like he didnt suffer enough. If you are a decent human being there is no way you can condone his actions! On the morning of July 10, 1981, townspeople met at the Legion Hall in the center of town with Nodaway County sheriff Dan Estes to discuss how to protect themselves. Who was Ken Rex McElroy? In June, 1973 I was a patient at the Fairfax Community Hospital, 20 some miles NW of Skidmore. A few weeks after Jeffrey called me, I had received a phone call in the middle of the night from Sally, Jeffreys biological mother. ), he was going to defend him. I wish I could have met her. Shell casings from at least two different guns were found at the scene, fired from somewhere within that crowd of 60-odd people. Really enjoyed your book. Its located on 9th st by Patee House. Ken is my second cousin I think my parents were both adopted and Im just learning about my family. Of the most serious, McElroy was accused of child molestation and statutory rape. When she was at her worst it is clear to any thinking person that she was possessed by that human demon through relentless abuse. [1] To date, no one has been charged in connection with McElroy's death. By the time I met Trena a couple years after McELroys death, she had moved on, with a new husband and family. Its amazing that she was able to recover and lead a fulfilling life. were the guys fixing the car and the girl in the house in on it? The vast majority of people familiar with this case are quite happy with the outcome. The lot where Kens house once was still stands empty, although there is a trailer in the woods behind it. Theyre scattered about. [6], Based on Trena's story, McElroy was indicted in June 1973 for arson, assault, and statutory rape. LOL. MacLean goes on to describe young McElroy as an illiterate bully who kids and adults alike were afraid of; he would steal lunch money from his fellow students and shoplift from local stores with no consequence. Agreed as well. "He always had a chip on his shoulder," Harry MacLean told host Phoebe Judge about McElroy on her podcast Criminal. Trena was brainwashed by KR beating her until she learned how to please and do for him and what he wanted. This woman had her childhood ripped away from her. He has been a best friend of mine ever since. Ken McElroy got around a lot more than most people realize. She tried to get away from him more then once , t so true .she will answer 4 her deeds on judgement day 4 what she did 2 the townspeople but if they say she turned her life around thats good heaven ..HERESSSSSSSSS TRENA, Mp? Anonymity, his just desserts. He was known as "the town bully",[1] and his unsolved killing became the focus of international attention. 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. Its an old saying, but one can argue that his children are also victims in this case. 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. Interesting story. Definitely Im sorry to have to say this but ken McElroy got his just deserts. I plan make a pilgrimage to Skidmore, park in that spot, and toast to the commencement of that SOBs journey to Hell and to those with the bravery to send him there. She remarried and had children with her new husband. She and her kids moved to a small town outside St. Joe after the killing. That would add a significant twist to the story. Now intrigued, Jeffrey managed to locate the medical papers from a surgery he had had as child to repair the hernia. I always hoped she would find happiness once she got away. Despite the fact that the shooting occurred in broad daylight while several dozen people watched, everyone who was there that day stubbornly claims they didn't see a thing. He was defended by Gene McFadin, who defended Ken. 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. He wS sent away. What time era was the state of Kansas living in the 12th century??!! How old was Kens daughter Tammy when she participated in the harassment along with her father and Treena? Coming in waves, for each victim both of them brutally tortured. She may have come out the other side, but its 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 mans abuse. She had to do whatever he told her to to survive! Juarez was a menace. Jeffrey was 22 and a college graduate when he discovered who his father was. I intend to write something about it soon. Ive read over 100 true crime books with Harrys book being the best. The I seen quote kills me. Other times? Thank you Harry for putting that in the book. I had a fascinating interview with her, though. Think about this Between 30 and 46 law abiding, normally peaceful people have NEVER had an attack of conscience over 40 years and said a word. Whatever happened to Kens truck that they shot him in? Once they wake up, they make different choices. Thank you for updating this story. According to court records, McElroy tracked them down and brought them back. McElroy was known to have stolen grain, alcohol, gasoline, antiques, and even livestock. Ken married first name McElroy. Thanks for the comment. The circumstances around the shooting, which took place in July of 1981 in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, help to shed light on all of these mysteries, while leaving the central question who actually killed him? I met her but we had a falling out. 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, Im struggling. She begged to talk to him. I think that town had enough punishment all the years he terrorized them.. Alice (2nd wife) children; son (Jaurez), daughter (Tonya/Toni), son (Ken Jr./Mouse) I havent seen you since you was 2 . ..so you might try to argue but there was one person who had no excuse, that was clearly at fault. Trena was beaten and sexually abused terribly by McElroy. He would have only threatened me with a gun one time. There have been 2 tornadoes & a fire hit the town in my grandmothers memory. This guy spend decades cultivating the reputation he had. The ones who shot him are also cowards even though he got what he deserved. May peace be with your entire family. They acted out of desperation as they were given absolutely no alternative. The story of Ken Rex McElroy was a movie without a resolution, and it still stirred up a lot of people and emotions around here, some predictable, some not. I flew Sally into our town before I moved to her town. It was about the FBI investigation that took place in Skidmore, Missouri after Ken Rex McElroy was shot to death. These farmers worked hard to raise cattle and to have them stolen is more than just a monetary loss. I wanted to clarify the last comment I made, Lori is also Sally and Kens biological child. I guess Id want to know if Trena was truly regretful later in life. they knew what she had to deal with and she only did those things becouse she had to. Were they scared of this thug? Realize you have something disgusting deep within you because of those horrid pieces of shit. Most people dont get bail after conviction, pending appeal. In the ensuing confrontation, McElroy shot Bowenkamp in the neck; Bowenkamp survived, and McElroy was arrested and charged with attempted murder. She should have thanked them instead of blaming & suing them. Why was he gunned down in the first place? Those things happened because the criminal in a case like this is an animal, and his/her subsequent crimes only took place because of the evil inside of that person. Did he run around there? How could she have said he was a great man and she didnt know why the town hated and feared him? . Roadhouse looks like this in its basic plot and conclusion. She just knew him mostly as her dad and not all the other stuff. It would be very informative to hear what you have to say about your Grandpa, and I will certainly post whatever you write. Working with children who need the gift of a great teacher. [10] Nobody called for an ambulance. This was released on DVD. I agree! He was still alive in 2007 when you did. Besides the fact that he had robbed and raped for years with no law enforcement stopping him. The McElroys never had any money. The ones on the Sundance series were from Alice Woods. Kriss lives in Skidmore. He was a young man. 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. In reference to Tammy Hiltons question, the fourth child Ken Jr., Lisa and myself were Sallys and Kens biological children. Yes, that would make him Ken McElroys grandson. I can say without hesitation had Ken Rex come face to face with him one would have died a violent death. Lori and myself were adopted together and were raised in MO. Filmmaker Avi Belkin's 'No One Saw a Thing . He hit only twice, once by a centerfire rifle and once by a .22 rimfire rifle. When she balked at sex, he beat her and threatened to kill her father. So until you have walked in her shoes, do not judge her! Two appeared on Oprah Winfrey with me, Alice, Cheryl Brown and McFadin. Godspeed. Classic. I truly know this because BELIEVE ME there should be a book about what I went through. She is hardly mentionedwhat happened to her after Ken died? They will always be associated with this tragedy, and they have to live with the harassment of others. Trena was my grandmother, she died on January 24th, her 55th birthday, not the 28th. Ive heard stories from the locals that on a moonless night the ghosts of Ken and Trena will come driving through Skidmore in the same Silverado he was killed in. Now, there is a saying, that explains it but it doesnt excuse it. He also said that the prosecuting attorney in the case was inexperienced and simply lost the case to McFaden and his slick talk. He refused several requests for an interview. If huge numbers helped one another McElroy wasnt going to kill everyone. Mouse was a good looking teenager but he had a violent streak. Havent got to the but Im proud of the community that took this into their hands. It was amazing the town folk found the restraint not to grant her Kens fate. The fact that she was victimized and obviously traumatized at a very early age was truly heinous. The few legal papers they located mentioned McElroys name. A common refrain among the people MacLean interviewed? I read the book and believe that the townspeople were fully justified. She was a child. Missouri is not like NYC firearms are easy to own and Im sure even in 81 carry permits easy to obtain. My granny a honest and good person told me you are no better than than who you are married to. Things happen in small town America, but 1 in a million catch the attention of the media so it seems like an isolated incident. Lori, the sister who was raised with me knew. The one and only time McElroy was convicted of a crime, he shot local grocer Bo in the neck after one of his young daughters was accused of shoplifting some candy from the man's store. But thats television. only if you are from that area could you understand what happened. In between his many felonies and intimidation tactics, McElroy fathered ten children with different women and married four times. His friends say he is kind and gentle and wouldnt hurt a fly. I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother?. you reference). On July 27, 1976, Skidmore farmer Romaine Henry said McElroy shot him twice with a shotgun after Henry challenged him for shooting weapons on Henry's property. Your email address will not be published. I believe the amount that lady attempted to extort from the town was $5 million dollars. Aside from his cruelty and sociopathy, given different life circumstances he could have put that nimble mind of his to some meaningful use. Cant blame the kids for the fathers sins. I totally agree! Rather than put up with it, I just moved and finished my beer and left. Im so happy and glad that you wrote about your grandma. He lived in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, a . May he rest in Peace. The sleezoid attorney is always a given with guys like this thug. Very well said. If there is a hell, at least they are both there together. Good comment. Holy cow. The legal system had completely failed them and McElroy continued to threaten to kill the townspeople. This is nonthing more than a book writer who got made rich and well known for publishing this crap!!! Those parents should have moved away with the 12 year old as fast as possible, even without a house. Yes, Del Clement was only a few years older than Trena. I think McElroys lawyer might have encouraged her to file the lawsuit. He was quite helpful. I appreciate it! Seriously how on earth did that town, police, or her parents just let her be abducted? He was getting paid to do his best for his client. I respected his attempts to at least reach out to Ken McElroy in a spiritual/Christian sense. I spent many summers at my grandparents farm in Winigan, MO. How many times had I heard that look described by the residents of Skidmore? Q was quite an interesting fellow. he was a sociopathnot psychotic. It seems Q Goslees family has experienced losses at an earlier age than I would have thought. Dec. 15, 2010. I know so, because I saw a description of this other movie in a book that Leonard Maltin had published back in 1989 in which he provided movie reviews. Well, we all cannot forget that McElroy had a real shyster of a lawyer to keep him dancing one step ahead of the law. There is a photo of Trena with Alice in the book, and an obituary photo of Trena in an earlier post on this blog. stubbornly in the dark. I dont know just guessing. When Lori was born she was placed with me. Where was the law when Trenas parents needed them, where was the law when Romain Henry was shot and Ken Rex paying witnesses to lie and paying jurors to sway a Not Guilty vote. I dont think people realize how many things go by the wayside in these rural areas. I feel like the townspeople were just fed up and tired of being held hostage and terrorized in their own community. Harry, my name is Summer Gross. 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. This is amazing, Just when you think theres nothing new a young man like Damien has the heart to come forward, Damien you are a strong person to admit this, after all that has happened, I commend you. Even his own attorney had to know it. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I understand people may frown on Trena for the lawsuit, but she suddenly lost her only means of support, had all those children to care for and finish raising, plus after that Im sure she didnt have one friend in that town who would have helped her with anything and probably had to pack up and leave. Ill never forget the night of his visitation after he passed, people were lined up out the door to pay their respects . 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. Been there, done that and survived that! Very interesting. They only understood fear. He was good friends with my grandpa Daniel Nolan and I also remember all the stories that my mom and dad told me. Not sure is you can find it now its been said that she moved on & found God and happiness later in life that she had changed . McElroy was charged with assault with intent to kill. My condolences to her family. On the morning of July 10th, 1981, shots rang out in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri. I would be interested in hearing from Jeffrey about what he thinks about the reaction. 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. Hello Mr. MacLean. . She was a young girl trying to survive. He said that in Bos younger years he was known as the fastest gun in Northwest Missouri. If anything, she owed the townspeople something. I agree with you in many respects. So, they stole the information. I found out the name of that other movie from the 1980s that is about this whole scenario. Speaking of her, did she profit at all if the production of the movie? Everyone owes a huge debt of gratitude to special education teachers, the unsung heroes of the schools. Stockholm Syndrome at its finest! Ken may have done wrong is quite an understatement. If anyone could drive a normally peaceful community to cover up a murder, it was Ken McElroy. When Jeffrey turns his head that way, in his eyes is a streak of coldness that is remarkable in its intensity. Ive never allowed anyone to threaten me face to face and I have never once worried about a man that tells you what hes going to do to you because hes all talk. Hopefully incredibly painful. 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. I learned today that Trena McElroy, Ken McElroys former wife, died on January 28, 2012. I was mesmerized by how accurate Harry was in describing the atmosphere of Skidmore. The vibe is the same in these northern Missouri rural towns. 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. Everyone wants to know how he controlled a little girl and others. Which at the very least is what every human deserves. In 1981, vigilantes in Skidmore, Mo., took justice into their own hands and killed town bully Ken Rex McElroy but no one was charged with the crime. I have some questions. "[13], McElroy was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri. Where were all these state patrol investigators when he was running loose? The real nasty part of it all is the sleezoid judges and prosecutors. 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.
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