the odd thing is sence june of 96 i have lived in lebanon mo. And for what? 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 knew when and how to control himself. This was released on DVD. Watched No One Saw A Thing as well. Agreed. You can google him and see his record. She was doing things to help ken terrorize the town . hi, Harry. Ive been amazed at the messages Ive gotten since the post. I wanted to clarify the last comment I made, Lori is also Sally and Kens biological child. As McElroy got into his pickup truck with his wife Trena McCloud, shots suddenly rang out. I have their pictures in The Story Behind In Broad Daylight. By the time I met Trena a couple years after McELroys death, she had moved on, with a new husband and family. You have to remember people were terrorized and held captive in their own town. Ken McElroy - Wikipedia His father was a tenant farmer, his mother a housewife swamped with feeding and caring for the sprawling family. Also, did you ever meet any of Ken s siblings, cause he had a lot? Is Richard Stratton still living & living in Kansas City, & how bout Dave Dunbar? Anyone who knows your Grandmother or has heard her story needs to be reminded of this. Trena was my grandmother, she died on January 24th, her 55th birthday, not the 28th. what about the other wives / children this man has abused & made them stay with him?? Missouri-based journalist Steve Booher described the attitude of some townspeople as "he needed killing. I just saw the story of your grandmother and then found this article online. http://www.holmanhowe.com/sitemaker/sites/Holman1/obit.cgi?user=559576WilliamsLebanon#.TyhZNgTT0J0.facebook. Harry, I would not doubt that situations like this one still happen in this day and age. They were of one mind, clearly, or the entire set of facts sought by the police would be known by now. This guy is dead, a town lived through hell, and women/childrens lives were destroyed because for SOME reason members of law enforcement ALLOWED it. McElroy managed to escape conviction on all but one of these charges by intimidating witnesses and through the efforts of his accomplished attorney, Richard McFadin. But I wasnt there so I cant judge . Many family members would not speak to me. If anyone could drive a normally peaceful community to cover up a murder, it was Ken McElroy. That alone should have put him away. the judges. 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. For the kids sake anyway. Thank you for updating this story. [1] To date, no one has been charged in connection with McElroy's death. Trena was a liar, she said he was a good man, he did nothing wrong,. They really do not need their memories spoiled by the memories of the rest of the world. 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. Somewhere down the line, one of his blood will become far worse than he ever was and the cycle will begin again. He befriended adolescent boys to gain entre to their female peers. Agreed as well. You could argue that the town failed to protect an abducted 12 year old and owed her damages for the subsequent rapes and abuse she endured. Were you ever able to make any connection between McElroy and the town of Peculiar, MO? 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. People reading the book In Broad Daylight need to understand how different the laws,courts, legal system, forensic evidence & DNA analysis have changed everything so much today from the way the laws & legal system was in 1981. You got a beef with a man you settle it with that man. It is easier to some to stick with a deadbeat supplier of food and money and even help him with his crimes than to run away and learn a trade, go to work 8 hours daily, earn their own money and lead a non-criminal life. I have known Mr. Dalsing since 1999. The law even puts away innocent people, and executes innocent people. [8] At the trial, two raccoon hunters testified they were with McElroy the day of the shooting away from Henry's property. Once they got ahold of this story they sucked the life out of that town. Just checked out the thread related to McElroy. Check the ages of his childrens mothers when they gave birth! After McElroy finished his drinks, he purchased a six pack of beer, left the bar, and entered his pickup truck. You could write a great survival book about her to help victims of domestic violence. Definitely Im sorry to have to say this but ken McElroy got his just deserts. I know easy for me to say I wasnt there. As the case dragged on without a court date, Henry said McElroy had parked outside his home at least 100 times. McElroy was shot at several times while he was sitting in his truck. Good and evil are not social constructs. I dont have any sympathy for Trena, however. Seriously, what was the point of even making your comment? Sounds naive I know, but I feel hope that perhaps Ken McElroy may well have found God, even if tangentially. He hasnt married or had any children, and he wonders if one of the reasons might be that he might be worried about passing along McElroys genes. Richard Stratton is still alive and kicking. However, I can also be sure that yet another movie was released back in the 1980s about these same events that took place in Skimore, Missouri. I was in skidmore, some years back, as a result of the interest, the book sparked in me. Suicide is cheap. I learned today that Trena McElroy, Ken McElroys former wife, died on January 28, 2012. Where was the FBI? Im happy she found happiness afterward. The trauma and scars he left behind will only be brought to justice in the next life, not this one. Why does Tim work in a pizza parlor ? While I was there a nurses aide advised me they were caring for a new born baby boy and safekeeping him in a room in the maternity ward away from the nursery, since the father had threatened to kill the baby and his mother. Trena McCloud's Civil Suit Against Skidmore, Missouri Revealed - Bustle The fact that she was victimized and obviously traumatized at a very early age was truly heinous. Thanks again for writing the book. Kriss lives in Skidmore. i know that the town never had any intent in shooting trena. Why he did it, well never know. Ken Rex McElroy (1934-1981) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree [6] Trena and her baby were placed in foster care at a home in Maryville, Missouri. 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. Dunbar lives in Marvyille with his girl friend Bobbie. What did they ever do with the lot were Kens house was? HE WAS A MAN IN HIS THIRTIES WHO IMPREGNATED A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD. 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. Tony , I am your aunt Tina your dad is my brother . That might have been the St. Joe case, where he pulled a gun on a couple, and right before trial they backed out. But as years went on, Trena chose to harass the people of Skidmore along with her husband. stubbornly in the dark. It might be worth something to a fanatic if it still exists. It saddens me how people can be stuck in their convictions when they didnt have to walk the same path she did. I truly believe she learned from these mistakes, so forgiveness is in order, especially since she became a totally different person after he was out of her life. I guess Id want to know if Trena was truly regretful later in life. I read a few blogs last night , it looks like alot of people just quote your book, does anyone live on his property now? KRM was a freaking coward! Ken married first name McElroy. I feel I owe you a debt for making me forget this damn pandemic for a while! Estes then drove out of town in his police cruiser. Trena was beaten and sexually abused terribly by McElroy. This guy spend decades cultivating the reputation he had. Trena did not profit from the movie. Im going to comment on several things, first Trena did not sue the town until AFTER she married her new husband and started on her new life. They only understood fear. No one was more a victim of the bastard McElroy than was she. I had no idea Trena had passed. He has been a best friend of mine ever since. If, some time after her confrontation with the consequences of Kens way of life, Trena sincerely came to know that her old way of living in the world was wrong, and she began to live in the world in a way that positively affects others, thats all I believe necessary to forgive her. It sounds to me like some powerful people didnt want Ken to go to prison and so let him run rampant with impunity. McElroy's first shooting victim was local farmer Romaine Henry, who he shot twice in the stomach with a shotgun. For her thug partner ?? Had ours for years. My daddy was a quite man but very protective of his 5 daughters and wonderful role model to my one brother ! Tony Im your aunt your dad is my brother . We have one. No more than shooting any wild animal just as soon as you can rather than give it time to turn on you and kill you. [2][3] In 1981, McElroy was convicted of attempted murder in the shooting of the town's 70-year-old grocer Ernest "Bo" Bowenkamp. McElroy was never a popular man. Coming in waves, for each victim both of them brutally tortured. Trena Louise Williams, daughter of Ronald and Treva Peters McNeeley, was born January 24, 1957, in Horton, Kansas. It was right for the town to take action, they were prisoners in their own town. When I met him 22 years ago, we toured the Skidmore area, and I showed him his fathers house and where he had been sitting when he was shot. Jeffrey can straighten this out, hopefully. Sharon had children in 1961, '63, '64 and '65, and Sally in '61, '63 and '64. The thug known as Ken has a few defenders just as all criminals have a few defenders. But it was an easy thing for them to do, to raise their hands and lie under oath.". People that burned a house for no reason other than to intimidate a woman and children in need and intimidated anyone that would have come foreward about the killing. Hows Kriss Goslee? 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! Among the many facts known about the Ken McElroy shooting, the one thing that's not known is who actually pulled the trigger. They are absolutes and when all else fails to destroy evil, then it falls to the individual to do whatever is necessary. Yes, and I am one person of many who believes vigilante justice has a place in this world. Theyre scattered about. Two of the children, a boy and a girl, were adopted together, to a family in St. Joe. Living in northeast Kansas, I found it compelling that this took place in my area of the world in a small town that doesnt seem all that unfamiliar to me. This was something that the "town bully," Ken Rex McElroy, staunchly rebelled against. I couldnt capture that in the book. This is truly shocking its like something out of the middle ages. i feel sorry for all the women he terrorized for all the years. Growing up poor MEANS NOTHING. As I understood it, the jurors did not hear any information because the charges were dismissed on a technicality. I can say without hesitation had Ken Rex come face to face with him one would have died a violent death. I am glad she found peace and happiness. The were abused not only by Ken but also by the townspeople that your book shows so much sympathy to. McElroy sat outside the foster home for hours at a time staring at it. Now he had to deal with the truth. The best part of this book is when the old acquaintance of Ken looked him up and decided to tell him about salvation through Jesus Christ. 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. Bless the people who had to put up with these two monsters. They worked as sharecroppers and moved often before settling in Skidmore. McElroy divorced Alice and married Trena in order to escape charges of statutory rape, to which she was the only witness. Holy cow. She was cruel and her actions can not be disregarded. Trena McElroy Passed Away | Harry N. MacLean Fear was Ken Rexs weapon and he used it well. That human trash partner of hers wasnt worth anythinglet alone the millions she attempted to steal via the legal system. 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. Which country is that, somewhere in central Africa? Its around 2 hours away from Skidmore. When you grow up like that, I really do believe that it stunts your empathy. Very well said. We all heard the stories about Ken Rexs rein of terror which started before my family moved to Oregon, MO in 1978 and ended with his shooting. The lot where Kens house once was still stands empty, although there is a trailer in the woods behind it. [9] McElroy was convicted at trial of assault, but freed on bail pending his appeal. 18 Facts About The Murder Of Ken Rex McElroy, One Of The Most Really enjoyed your book. I remember visiting the bar/diner in Skidmore back in 2000. I think McElroys lawyer might have encouraged her to file the lawsuit. May peace be with your entire family. Could someone on this blog sheet tell me what the title of that other movie was? The children had little parental supervision, and for the most part ran free around town. Jeffrey hopes that some good will come out of all this, but hes not sure what it might be. Law enforcement and the legal system failed. I havent seen you since you was 2 . Sally gave birth to a fourth child in 1965. It told the story of Ken Rex, since abot 2 weeks ago i have been reading non-stop about this man and feel almost sick to hear about the children, is there any word on any other children other than Jeff and his sister? , I met Jeff in the fall of 1984. 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. Just a fascinating story. 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. He has resolved some of the most embattled conflicts students have engaged in while maintaining a never ending sense of humor. I dont feel bad for Trina one bit. Consisting of around 440 residents and a number of small family-run businesses, the farming town revolved around work ethic. You will need to copy and paste the link. She finally gave all four of them up for adoption. She remarried and had children with her new husband. I agree with you and Jack. Im sure the only regret those 45+ people have is that they didnt do it sooner. Thanks for the answer to my question, Jeffrey. I think, after a few beers, he just snapped. I read the first book, In Broad Daylight. Thank you, Harry. He was getting paid to do his best for his client. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/84375228/trena-louise-williams, Mr. Mclean Your book, was an excellent one. glad she was happy & found love again & Jesus .. I loved your book Very thorough and compassionate accounting. I'd read In Broad Daylight a long time ago. But thats television. "[13], McElroy was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri. Ken Jr. was the oldest of Sallys children and knew of the story but he had no desire to re-connect with Sally, myself or Lori according to Lisa. Now 47, he is the same age McELroy was when he was shot to death on the main street of Skidmore Missouri. Good riddance. The family appeared not to be given any help at all. When cattle rustlers were taking steer out of the fields at night everyone knew who and where they lived. I just finished re-reading the 2nd version of the book. Killing Ken was justified and was a necessity. I moved to Kansas City in the 90s and on the first job I started here, the first friend that I meet was a McElroy. Rather than put up with it, I just moved and finished my beer and left. somebody better tell that dude about kenny & what happened to him . This woman had her childhood ripped away from her. Ken McElroy was born in 1934, one of 16 children, author Harry MacLean explains in his book In Broad Daylight, an account of the case. How could she have said he was a great man and she didnt know why the town hated and feared him? They were poor, they had come from Kansas, he kind of grew up resenting those he considered to be more successful. I am interested to know, do u live in skidmore? Very interesting. Probably one of the reasons people really disliked Ken Rex. People have tried to figure out if that is McElroy by the car. That Oprah show was a joke and Alice only done it for the money they paid her. Unsolved 'Vigilante' Murder in the Heartland: Missouri Town Goes Quiet Not that I dont think that everyone deserves a fair defense at a criminal trial. 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. 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. 13 Things About Ken McElroy's Shooting You Need To Know Before - Bustle Whether that was out of fear on their part I do not know. Life is precious. Skidmore Revisited Part 2: Weary Memories - Missouri Life Magazine Have just finished the book, I was very saddened that the towns people didnt try and help the defenceless Bowenkemps during McElroys intimidation ordeal, would of thought that a small town would rally around the unfortunate family that got the brunt of McElroys nasty bullying. I will find a picture of her and post. Does no one stand up to him? May he rest in Peace. do not judge until you have walked in her shoes. I agree wholeheartedly about the ridiculous Sundance show No One Saw a Thing. The producer had the story in mind before he even went to town. Doesnt add up to me, if she had moved on and wanted to forget everything, why go back to that memory???? See her as a girl on TV in this story, then seeing her photo as a woman and reading comments like yours, does show how God led her to a wonderful place and she has surely left her mark on this world. She was bullied by this devious, evil, selfish man, completely dominated, and she made mistakes. How ironic that the law didnt protect the innocent and get Ken Rex locked up, yet they were there in force to investigate his death. A lot of them it didn't pain at all. I think the Stockholm syndrome applies in her case. The system completely failed that town. 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). I think the shooters, or the man who pulled her out of the truck anyway, had a sense that killing a woman would do them no good, in fact would lose them the moral high ground. Theres no way anyone could have been convicted of anything, given the evidence of what McElroy had done to Skidmore. He instinctively understood how to use it. She still seemed somewhat like a child when I met her. Hi Harry, I read your book In Broad Daylight 4 years ago.I want to say it was an excellent book, Thanks for all your hard work!! McElroy controlled the whole town. 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. Last night I just watched the 1999 episode of City Confidential of the town bully which got me poking around the internet. Ken had 13 siblings: Hershell Eugene McElroy, Orvell McElroy and 11 other siblings. Oh well, karma did its job and gave her the cancer. For more than two decades, McElroy was suspected of being involved in theft of grain, gasoline, alcohol, antiques, and livestock, but he avoided conviction when charges were brought against him 21 timesoften after witnesses refused to testify because he allegedly intimidated them, frequently by following his targets or parking outside their homes and watching them. Actually,this took place in Skidmore,, Missouri,not in Kansas. As for the question on where her children live, esp the one in Pennsylvania? The Sheriff said the case was actually not mysterious at all and simply a murder among drug acquaintances. I havent been able to find an address for Ken McElroys house that was burned. Ive tried to leave her pretty much alone the last few years, let her see if she can find a normal life to live. Seriously how on earth did that town, police, or her parents just let her be abducted? This is nonthing more than a book writer who got made rich and well known for publishing this crap!!! Why was he gunned down in the first place? Trena was his accomplice, not his victim, by the time of his death. Tim McElroy still lives down the road and still works in a pizza parlor in a town not far away. Sorry Harryjust to clarify, when I asked what was his/her name, I was referring to the fourth child of Sally, not mentioned in your book. Nothing was ever done. Glad I could add a bit more info. That is why the current condition of Fillmore is so sorry now. I agree. But I dont understand her denial and defensiveness until her death. I had a fascinating interview with her, though. This all happened over three decades before he was even born. Do you know where it can be found? I havent followed the Branson case that closely, but I know the crime hasnt been solved. My condolences to her family. What happened to Alice Woods? Im going to repeat that so you can hear it again. We are still very good friends and I still try to get whatever stories I can from them. I agree the lawyer may have encouraged this. Ken Rex McElroy (June 1, 1934 July 10, 1981) was an American criminal and convicted attempted murderer who resided in Skidmore, Missouri, United States. You cant make that case at all. [3] McElroy was acquitted. Jeffrey has a lot of friends who think hes an amazing guy. I really enjoyed this book so much so, that I just read it a 2nd time! It appears one of the daughters by Sharon was named Debbie Ann (perhaps the ?? Stockholm Syndrome at its finest! Required fields are marked *. Stuck in my back pocket and next time I got close I yanked it out by the Rawhide and put an 8 inch gash in his head tearing his ear nearly off. Who Killed Ken Rex McElroy: Town Keeps Its Secret For 38 Years Again, just my opinion, but if the technology back then had been what it is today, hed have seen more jail time, simply based on the rapes. Mr MacLean, you are a lawyer, right? They likely did the best that they could have, though, as any parent would. The late David Graf played the part of Ken Rex McElroy. According to Mental Floss, the shooting proceeded for a full 20 seconds, during which time Trena was able to flee the truck for safety inside a bank, while McElroy was killed where he sat. Working with kids with emotional disabilities requires limitless patience and understanding.
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