I was completely immersed in the story while reading it. Excuses, excuses, excuses for the poor abused woman all over this page. The bar was called The Timeout and has since been torn down. I was 20 years of age in 1981 and living south of The River in Warrensburg when I learned of all of this. This woman had her childhood ripped away from her. The legal system failed them and they had taken all they could. To fear a bully is to empower him. Tony , I am your aunt Tina your dad is my brother . Sheriff Estes instructed the assembled group not to get into a direct confrontation with McElroy, but instead seriously consider forming a neighborhood watch program. He picked on the weak. Theres not a day that goes by I dont think of her. The only way to take down a bully is to confront him and meet force with force including deadly force if need be. There was no physical evidence linking Clement to the crime, and no witnesses willing to corroborate McCloud's assertions. In all, McElroy was indicted 21 times and managed to escape conviction every time. Sixteen days after Trena gave birth, both she and Alice fled to Trena's parents' house. Abuse wears you down to the point you cannot think for yourself. Btw Who do they think kidnapped Branson? This was released on DVD. I knew he covered a lot of territory, but I didnt know he had made it to Lawrence. Life is precious. Its part of their job to see justice done despite risk to themselves, Were they bought and paid for like the sleezoid lawyer? This woman sued the town over Kens death. McElroy was shot at several times while he was sitting in his truck. Why did she not publish some more introspective personal responsibility later. I know one of Kens daughters and she is a very fine, wonderful person who just wants to live her life in peace. She insisted that I hadnt told the whole story about McElroy: he was much worse than portrayed, than anybody could imagine, and it had been harder than people would ever realize for her to give up her four children. It will probably remain unsolved. She was trash, like her bully husband. Nicely balanced. he knew when and how to control himself. To wear such a shirt is a real indicator of the kind of person you are looking at. He was quite content to labor behind the meat counter while his wife oversaw the daily needs of the store. It was an act of self-defense. Hoping she really did turn her life around and become a kind person. 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. She and her kids moved to a small town outside St. Joe after the killing. He lived in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, a . McElroy left many children, and some of them were extremely unhappy with the way their father was killed and the way he was portrayed in my book In Broad Daylight. 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. Thanks for sharing. Yours is definitely the majority view, and one that I share. And St Joseph, MO inherited some of the McElroy boys who seem to follow in their fathers footsteps. Others have said the same. Give the lady a break. Hows Kriss Goslee? BILLIONS of people on this planet are poor and they dont do what that thug did. I must say that I read the book and it was my favorite true crime of all time. They acted out of desperation as they were given absolutely no alternative. There are fewer and fewer people still alive from the reign of terror and the killing. The man one the phone said his name was Jeffrey. For some reason, the Ken McElroy shooting popped into my mind and I wondered what happened to Trena and Kens children. I have just recently heard of this story. However, his part was given the fictional name of Raymond West. 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. fuck that guy may he burn in hell. Incidentally, I would be interested to know if Charlie, the friend who spoke to Ken about God and death and punishment has ever made any more interviews or statements regarding his present feelings? glad she was happy & found love again & Jesus .. I read a few blogs last night , it looks like alot of people just quote your book, does anyone live on his property now? He wS sent away. 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. Stealing livestock, ambushing people. l will let you know my thoughts. That poor child could not stand up for herself against that man. With him gone, and a weasel lawyer manipulating her, its no wonder she sued the town. I am glad she went on to live a relatively happy life. 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. Personally, the judge was the worst of all. No children were molested, people robbed or beaten up, etc., because of a criminal's attorney. Followed the link to Trenas obit so pleased to see the post @ her Christian Faith God forgives everyone who repents, and love(d) Trena as much as Mother Teresa and everyone in between Perfection is not a pre-requisite. Come back and talk to us when you are 70+ years old and a thug shoots you, leaves you to dies and gets away with it. But thats television. He was a young man. A town having inadequate policing. I guess I should wait to read but just so fascinated by this story, I at one point felt sad because he caught the shots from behind , not down playing anything he did but my human emotions just got the best of me I guesskeep up the good work. How could she have said he was a great man and she didnt know why the town hated and feared him? How many times had I heard that look described by the residents of Skidmore? As far as him never being convictedwell, you cant just ignore all those indictments and the rapes! The Town That KILLED a Bully in Broad Daylight | Ken Rex McElroy Although three separate grand juries were convened and later the FBI investigated when local authorities failed to make any progress not a single person was ever charged with killing Ken McElroy. and after the debacle died down, did any of his kids get treated fair? Sally gave birth to a fourth child in 1965. 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. They will always be associated with this tragedy, and they have to live with the harassment of others. You cant make that case at all. As the case dragged on without a court date, Henry said McElroy had parked outside his home at least 100 times. If you are a decent human being there is no way you can condone his actions! 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? "He always had a chip on his shoulder," Harry MacLean told host Phoebe Judge about McElroy on her podcast Criminal. 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. No sympathy for KM or his wife. As for Ken Rex, no surprise. In reference to Tammy Hiltons question, the fourth child Ken Jr., Lisa and myself were Sallys and Kens biological children. Honestly the person I have the biggest problem with is the defense attorney for McElroy. Thank you! HE WAS A MAN IN HIS THIRTIES WHO IMPREGNATED A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD. 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, did you ever meet any of Ken s siblings, cause he had a lot? While Trena may have been the only person who sought justice for McElroy's. 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. What I haven read is how tough and how much of a man he was without a gun with a man face to face that wasnt afraid of him. You can also make the case that it was in defense of the cowardly act of shooting an old man in the neck. I'd read In Broad Daylight a long time ago. One of the kids I thinkbut Im not sureis in Philly. I met several of them, including Wilma, before her husband chased me off the farm with a gun. this is not new to us here, it hppeans all the time but a town bully? Nothing was ever done. Karmic: WRONG. At a certain point, she has to be held responsible for those actions. She will always carry her friend ship in my heart. 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 . Im glad to hear your grandmother was able to pick up and live a good and better life. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I just found out about the book The Story Behind In Broad Daylight', and I am reading it. Im glad she got away from him and found a better life for herself. His friends say he is kind and gentle and wouldnt hurt a fly. He shot men. I have heard about this man for many years growing up. I dont believe there is a price tag to cover that. The lady had nothing but a criminal mind to sue the town. The Sheriff said the case was actually not mysterious at all and simply a murder among drug acquaintances. What did they ever do with the lot were Kens house was? In the nature versus nurture debate, this story fits on the nurture side of the spectrum. Ken Jr. and Lisa were adopted together and were raised in a western state. 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. You can google him and see his record. I was brutally beaten by a 24 year old boyfriend when I was 14. Id guess McFadin pushed for the lawsuit so he could get a nice percentage of any award. Many of the people in it have since gone on to some fame. This man was a horrible human being. His parents, Tony and Mabel, were humble sharecroppers that could probably not have coped with so many offspring. She acquiesced, then moved in with Sharon and McElroy. Whatever became of Kens kids, Juarez, Tonia, and Ken Jr? And I call BS to imply there is some sort collective evil there. Thats the mentality of many bullies. im sorry that some people dont have sympathy for trena. Thanks for your research! The long view of Trena is that she was essentially a victim. Hard working people who never give up. It went down just as Ken had said it would that they would not dig to deep for his murder and that he would go down in history just like jesse james. No matter what we see on the outside, Im sure the wounds still remain and run very deep. Thanks for the comment. Kind of a nobody saw a thing situation. Same with all the killers we see in courts.. their lame defense attorneys snivel that they had a rough child hood. I remember seeing a Silverado with Missouri plates parked there. His behavior with women, however, was an entirely different matter. I know she had some responsiblity in this, but I truly believe she was doing the best she could do in such bad circumstances. It proved where her loyalties were when she sued the town after McElroys death. This was something that the "town bully," Ken Rex McElroy, staunchly rebelled against. In all, there were 46 potential witnesses to the shooting, including Trena McElroy, who was in the truck with her husband when he was shot. The demise of Ken Rex, is one that will continue to be debated, for years to come. There is a certain defense to self defense when it comes to terrorism. But I wasnt there so I cant judge . TM & 2015 Turner Entertainment Networks, Inc. A Time Warner Company. 13 Things About Ken McElroy's Shooting You Need To Know Before - Bustle "Ken McElroy married for the first time at age 18, and moved briefly to . 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. Seriously how on earth did that town, police, or her parents just let her be abducted? 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. Im glad she got away from that life. Well so did BILLIONS of other humans and they didnt turn into serial killers. I grew up in Oregon, MO which is a small town not too far from Skidmore. Therefore, it was as though she were sending out the wrong message about her involvement with him by filing that lawsuit. Born into a crowded family, Ken McElroy would soon make a name for himself in the worst way. Not surprising that one of the kids engaged in a shooting in a bar. I really enjoyed this book so much so, that I just read it a 2nd time! The aforementioned lawsuit, her bullying the town along with KRM, her defense of a man that raped and abused her, NO and NO! After McElroy finished his drinks, he purchased a six pack of beer, left the bar, and entered his pickup truck. That guy wouldve kicked his ass and Ken knew it. Im sorry to hear that your Grandmother was relatively young when she passed. Half the people there in 1981 are gone now, and they arent being replaced. This girl was trapped in hell and as I see it had absolutely no way out. [1][3] The next day, McElroy was shot to death in broad daylight as he sat with his wife Trena in his pickup truck on Skidmore's main street. Well, we all cannot forget that McElroy had a real shyster of a lawyer to keep him dancing one step ahead of the law. It was amazing the town folk found the restraint not to grant her Kens fate. These poor women were left uneducated, a lot of children and no support. The County Sheriff just spoke to the media in 2019 that the suspects involved in the missing Branson case are on the radar. I know easy for me to say I wasnt there. That Oprah show was a joke and Alice only done it for the money they paid her. You stand up to a bully you strip him of his power. When she balked at sex, he beat her and threatened to kill her father. He typically preyed upon children from poor, uneducated families. She still seemed somewhat like a child when I met her. If anyone could drive a normally peaceful community to cover up a murder, it was Ken McElroy. Some of them have posted here; others have responded on my web site. 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. By all account, Ken was wary, if not scared, of going to jail. Be strong willed, and let friends lien on you. I plan to write a rebuttal to the show it was all inference and speculation and wishful thinking. I wish I had found you when I was writing the book! I dont think Ill touch that one. He burned her parents house. When Jeffrey turns his head that way, in his eyes is a streak of coldness that is remarkable in its intensity. Did he buy prosecutors? The few legal papers they located mentioned McElroys name. I drove through there one day, slowed down, parked, and got a very unpleasant feeling. When you grow up like that, I really do believe that it stunts your empathy. Of the most serious, McElroy was accused of child molestation and statutory rape. Very well said. Thanks! THAT is the nature of the sociopath. However, it was more than obvious to the townspeople and the authorities that McElroy was no goodie-two-shoes. She was lucky the town granted her mercy. Holy cow. I felt sorry for Trena to a certain extent. My granny a honest and good person told me you are no better than than who you are married to. 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. who testified in No One Saw a Thing, Ken Rex McElroy was considered to be the "town bully." Before McElroy died, he had threatened a number of people at gunpoint, shot a few people, and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, Trena McCloud, before marrying her to evade statutory rape charges. All of these things have combined to make me a true crime fanatic. It would be worth something to day. She was drunk and angry. Just checked out the thread related to McElroy. Doesnt add up to me, if she had moved on and wanted to forget everything, why go back to that memory???? Ken, Rex McElroy was born on month day 1934, at birth place, Missouri, to Anthony, Wyatt McElroy and Mable, Marie Lister. The aide said the mother had left the hospital to stay with her family, they were waiting for her to return to pick up her son, once she knew she was safe from the father. I told her I would check with Jeffrey. I havent followed the Branson case that closely, but I know the crime hasnt been solved. I was in skidmore, some years back, as a result of the interest, the book sparked in me. Bless the rave souls who had the guts to put that man to death. And if someone gives birth at 14, it means that the father was a pedo and a rapist. ( unlike myself) And to look into his eyes one can see alot of innocence in a grown mans eyes, For he has a gentle soul.So Harrys first impression at the airport, was not a clear picture of the man he really is. Were you ever able to make any connection between McElroy and the town of Peculiar, MO? The more I think about it, the more I believe the shooters/townspeople believed Trena wasnt the problem. Trena had three kids by McElroy. Ken married first name McElroy. On the day of what should have been his bail hearing, McElroy was back at D&G, still a free man. Tonya was very sweet and loving and although Ive lost track of her in the last 20 years, I hope she has succeeded in life. ive done alot of surching on the story lately and am sorry to hear that trena passed. Everyone that seen this movie and read this book has only heard one side of the story, I on the other hand have heard multiple stories about how things really went down. Do any of the haters actually know how someone, especially a young person, can be influenced and manipulated into doing things that is wrong? Chelsey, regardless of anything else, an ADULT who impregnates a FOURTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD is a monster. Shocked that trena passed on, her updated pic shows ahappy woman, you mentioned some of the kids are in Pa? I researched every aspect of the family as thoroughly as I could and tried to be as fair as possible. Interesting how McElroy was functionally illiterate, but undeniably street-smart in the extreme. And yes, they all knew about McElroy & I didnt hear of anyone saying that his death was a pity. Very little was done to protect women. More insight into Trenas life with Ken. Which is one of the big reasons the rustling really bothered me. 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. 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. I have spoken to him in the past about this situation and he allowed me to borrow the book In Broad Daylight It was an amazing book, and more interesting because I know Jeff. In your blog, you mention four children. I dont understand how a man could allow someone to take your child without putting up a good fight ! Trena had her young children to think about, and probably no job skills at the time Ken was killed, so I really dont fault her seeking a settlement and I doubt seriously anyone in that town would help her out. 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. My condolences to her family. Jeffrey traveled to California to meet his mother. I just recently read the story and I have to say how sad the whole thing is. Missouri-based journalist Steve Booher described the attitude of some townspeople as "he needed killing. Lori met her and they have corresponded off and on over the years. 1. Ken Rex McElroy's Lost Son | Harry N. MacLean . Do the world a favor, end the line. Whenever someone threatened me I him in the mouth. Born in Overland Park, Kansas, on June 1, 1934, McElroy was the fifteenth of Tony and Mabel McElroy's sixteen children. He had it right: Fear is what it was all about with McElroy. The show was a cheap hatchet job. Ken had 13 siblings: Hershell Eugene McElroy, Orvell McElroy and 11 other siblings. Hate to say it but of course his family members will defend him and claim he was the best grandpa/whatever but even if he wasnt convicted of anything, his activities are well known and well documented. If someone is wealthy or not isnt your business. She lived in Conway, Missouri, and apparently died of cancer. 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. But Ken may have done wrong, but he was a human being too, & looks like someone who knew something would have had the heart to come forward to help out in the matter. Gerry Murphy: I lived and worked in Maryville for 8 years and got to know a few of the folks who were in and around Skidmore when this happened. https://www.maryvilleforum.com/gallery-2021-skidmore-punkin-show/collection_14ebd20e-f5fa-11eb-8cdc-c35d90891f9e.html#1. Aside from his cruelty and sociopathy, given different life circumstances he could have put that nimble mind of his to some meaningful use. what about the other wives / children this man has abused & made them stay with him?? I think the Stockholm syndrome applies in her case. What was his/her name, and have you had any contact with him/her? 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. He befriended adolescent boys to gain entre to their female peers. Not something she wants to talk much about. The I seen quote kills me. 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. The article on the Punkin show illustrates that Skidmore is still hanging on despite some unfavorable conditions, such as one fellow in particular buying up all sorts of property and turning it into junkyards. 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. Maybe an early trip to jail would have saved McElroys life in the long run. Jeffrey was 22 and a college graduate when he discovered who his father was. McFadin was so good at getting McElroy off that, as Unsolved claims, rumors spread that McFaden was actually a mob lawyer. I have some questions. Extremely hard working people. A history of abuse does not excuse Trenas actions, it only makes sense of them. He charmed the girls with dime-store gifts and rides in his truck. Who Killed Ken Rex McElroy: Town Keeps Its Secret For 38 Years 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. 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. I want to know WHY. I respected his attempts to at least reach out to Ken McElroy in a spiritual/Christian sense. She was cruel and her actions can not be disregarded. I want to know WHY. 5 6 7 Thank you for updating this story. If he was out stealing that night, Trena was most likely not with him. You seem to be a good guy. Hello, I do not wish to reveal my identity, but I would like to point some things out. She did what she had to do to survive.the law sure didnt help her . They should have gathered in force and worked together to do something about him and assist the people complaining before the situation got this far. Jeffrey The lost son of Ken Rex McElroy. Godspeed. Social services would have been more able to protect her, as well as the courts. Why was he gunned down in the first place? 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. That isnt one side of the story it is a fact. Trena did not profit from the movie. Also she was a child! 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. Anonymity, his just desserts. That mystery will form the heart of SundanceTV's upcoming limited series, No One Saw A Thing and it may just be the most unusual unsolved mystery you'll ever come across. I wish I could have met her. It makes me realize that no matter who your biological parents are, you choose to be the person you want to be. LOL. Ken McElroy, A man better known as a coward a rapest a bully. The marshal turned in his badge and quit the next day. City Confidential is a rip off of the book, and it annoys me to hear it cited for anything. Thank you for your service in the special needs field. Suicide is cheap.