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. The book indicated that Ken was accepting of at least some of Charlies advice, and I hope that at least a part of Kens psyche and soul may have accepted Christ. Sadly,like in many place,these folks were probably considered poor white trash and the law looked the other way. He is exceptional and a real person and special friend. It happens. 18 Facts About The Murder Of Ken Rex McElroy, One Of The Most She remarried and had children with her new husband. Thats where I first met him and actually got to know him rather well. Thanks for writing such a terrific book. Yes, Del Clement was only a few years older than Trena. Jeffrey can straighten this out, hopefully. I really enjoyed this book so much so, that I just read it a 2nd time! I previously wrote you on your website about the professional relationship I have the privilege of having with Jeffery. Its astonishing to think the entire population allowed it to go on. All were threatened including their children yet she was the one who felt that she was wronged, horrible dangerous individual she was. But, dont defend that nasty man. I loved your book Very thorough and compassionate accounting. As I understand it, the insurance company had it repaired and sold. You have never been an abused woman!!! On 1 June 1934, Ken Rex McElroy became the 15th of 16 children for Tony and Mabel McElroy. Honestly the person I have the biggest problem with is the defense attorney for McElroy. Why? 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. Kenneth Rex McElroy "Bully" Murder AS her daughter Tami listens, Trena McElroy retells how she watched her husband's life shot away by a man she and her attorney describe as a vigilante gunman. My daddy was a quite man but very protective of his 5 daughters and wonderful role model to my one brother ! LOL. Once they got ahold of this story they sucked the life out of that town. Crazy book. The whole shut up or be shut up is now a pervasive presence in whats left of the place. Even the worst people can sometimes act pleasantly. The town of Skidmore or maybe I should say the people that witnessed or participated in the execution, I feel may not have had too many choices. Do any of the haters actually know how someone, especially a young person, can be influenced and manipulated into doing things that is wrong? 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. Trena did not profit from the movie. When your book came out our Grandmother made sure that all the children and grandchildren had a book. I would have shot that punkass on my own if he ever started with me..he got what he deserved for sure..I have a real problem with bullies to this day.. Everyone is a victim. She said the house didnt burn down and in that same sentence she said faulty wiring. 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? Is Steve Peter still around Skidmore, & if so what is he doing now days? She didnt have the guts/strength to stand up to McElroy. 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 will keep abreast of any public speaking you may have in Colorado as I now reside in Littleton. It would be very informative to hear what you have to say about your Grandpa, and I will certainly post whatever you write. You certainly dont get an entire town to cover it up, if the man is not exceptional at being a monster and being hated by everyone. Ive tried to leave her pretty much alone the last few years, let her see if she can find a normal life to live. She stayed close to her parents, which was always curious. I belive that my half brother is the grandson of ken rex McElroy my brother is the son of derome McElroy. Especially when youre as young as she was and probably financially dependent on your abuser. Who knows, they might be following this blog? Think what you could get for it on e-bay. It has since been renamed, but at the moment I cant recall it. He had no use for the successful or the educated. But they feared theyd have to pay you maybe. There is a photo of Trena with Alice in the book, and an obituary photo of Trena in an earlier post on this blog. Background. Im just curious because he looked like a good size guy in the funeral photos like hed be able to do a mans man type job . I believe she attempted to extort 5 million dollars from them. Why?? It was a credible threat as he had already shot 2 innocent people. Whenever someone threatened me I him in the mouth. Ken was 18 and Oleta was 16. . 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. 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 . It appears one of the daughters by Sharon was named Debbie Ann (perhaps the ?? I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother?. [5] She became pregnant when she was fourteen, dropped out of school in the ninth grade, and went to live with McElroy and his second wife Alice. I found out the name of that other movie from the 1980s that is about this whole scenario. Do the world a favor, end the line. The fact that she was victimized and obviously traumatized at a very early age was truly heinous. 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. I flew Sally into our town before I moved to her town. Thank you Harry for putting that in the book. Jeffrey seemed curious, but was not interested in meeting any of many siblings living in the area. Whatever they say is normal, you force yourself to accept as normal. I agree with you in many respects. This was something that the "town bully," Ken Rex McElroy, staunchly rebelled against. His parents, Tony and Mabel, were humble sharecroppers that could probably not have coped with so many offspring. Secondary, the authorities would have been responsible as well because laws were broken. I agree with you in many respects. And where are her adult children she & Ken had together now ? why you attracted such a horrible person into your life. 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. What did they ever do with the lot were Kens house was? Did he terrify judges? Ive never come across Charlie again. But I dont understand her denial and defensiveness until her death. Thanks for the answer to my question, Jeffrey. I know one of Kens daughters and she is a very fine, wonderful person who just wants to live her life in peace. On July 9, 1984, Trena McElroy filed a $5 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Town of Skidmore, County of Nodaway, Sheriff Danny Estes, Steve Peters (Mayor of Skidmore), and Del Clement (whom Trena accused of being the shooter, but who was never charged). I havent seen you since you was 2 . I havent seen her kids defending McElroy, although they might have. Enjoyed your book greatly and so have others I have passed it on to who have no connection to the area which I do. Many family members would not speak to me. Whatever dont be killing your self. Not at all. ive done alot of surching on the story lately and am sorry to hear that trena passed. Not something she wants to talk much about. Their rights were ignored completely. Aside from MacLean's book and Judge's podcast, the case has also been covered in episodes of the podcast My Favorite Murder and the TV show Drunk History, as well as having been turned into two movies, including the 1991 made-for-TV adaptation of MacLean's In Broad Daylight starring Tony winner Brian Dennehy, Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden, and Emmy winner Cloris Leachman. I read on the web that the monster had a steel plate in his head from a prior head injury. 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. Jeffrey was 22 and a college graduate when he discovered who his father was. . 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. 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. Not once do you hear of him going toe to toe with anyone, just threats and guns and of course beating on women, which is a classic sign of a coward. They are absolutes and when all else fails to destroy evil, then it falls to the individual to do whatever is necessary. She was bullied by this devious, evil, selfish man, completely dominated, and she made mistakes. Who was Ken Rex McElroy? The vibe is the same in these northern Missouri rural towns. I believe your book is one of the better true crime books I have read. However, when he and Mrs. Bowenkamp purchased the town grocery store he put away his custom made Mother of Pearl grip Colt .45s and his special made Crocodile ammunition belt. Untrue. Besides the fact that he had robbed and raped for years with no law enforcement stopping him. Everyone wants to know how he controlled a little girl and others. Just like my mom. KRM was a freaking coward! 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. One can only wonder what he would think if he knew that one of his sons not only made it through high school and graduated from college, but had a successful career working with special education children. Dunbar lives in Marvyille with his girl friend Bobbie. I was immediately intrigued by the story and decided to read your book (well written). Personally, I am shocked his reign of terror lasted as long as it did. The bar was called The Timeout and has since been torn down. was it revenger against his father? Even his own attorney had to know it. I can happily say that she seems to be living a fulfilling and normal life and is a very responsible, contributing member of society. More insight into Trenas life with Ken. The town has had a hard time forgiving Trena. I also knew Faye Copeland of Ray and Faye Copeland fame, was the very next tenant in an apartment in St. Joe from which a young woman had disappeared and was later found murdered, and know a woman named Angela (Angie) who was kidnapped by the same guy suspected of killing Crystal Kipper-John Williams. I remember hearing about this story for the very first time on 60 Minutes when I was in high school. Unsolved recounts how approximately 60 people were in attendance at the meeting, including both the mayor and the sheriff. She was lucky the town granted her mercy. He wouldnt be able to park on the street now for hours to scare people. As for the question on where her children live, esp the one in Pennsylvania? . But I was struck earlier today by the realization (once more) that art can often imitate life. I am curious as to what hold McElroy had over them when he was so terrified of jail but was allowed to continue to operate as he did for so long. Also, it should be noted that the other movie that came out in the 1980s about this story was told from Trena McElroys point of view rather than that of the townspeople. The judges and prosecuters on the other hand maybe didnt do their jobs. Neither am I. Youd protect your family same as they had to protect theirs. Gerry Murphy: Were you ever able to make any connection between McElroy and the town of Peculiar, MO? Ill never forget the night of his visitation after he passed, people were lined up out the door to pay their respects . His girlfriend lived in my apt building and he knocked her around quite a bit. The teenagers gave birth to a total of seven of McElroy's offspring. Harry, [1] To date, no one has been charged in connection with McElroy's death. Small towns should pass laws to protect themselves from such harassment, and people stick together to prevent future problems. He did attempt to do the right thing. I also believe someone knew the killer/killers, but as long as its bin since the killing, I kind of doubt anyone will ever come forward as to ever get a conviction in the case. Weighing in at approximately 270 pounds with bushy black sideburns, McElroy held the entire . I watched the Sundance Now film No one saw a thing the story of Ken McElroy. See he was tired of fighting the town people and all the rest of the crap. To hear him talk about that experience was something. I would not doubt that situations like this one still happen in this day and age. Jeff had had a hernia. 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. Loved the book! The teenagers gave birth to a total of seven of McElroy's offspring. I dont have any sympathy for Trena, however. [4], McElroy fathered more than 10 children with different women. Its similar to Stockholm Syndrome. The thought of all of the rotten crap McFadin pulled in order to protect his criminal client makes me sick to my stomach. 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. May this sweey woman RIP, and she was to young!! 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. Its so well written, or maybe since Im from Missouri, I can totally see the scenes that are described in the book. Cant wait to get your book. Good bless your family, what a strong qonderful qoman to have survived Ken and his abuse, She protected her kids, and ended up with the life she deserved. I'm happy she found happiness afterward. Right. Trena didnt have a chance when her parents abandoned her.