In July 1981, the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, witnessed a shocking event that would remain shrouded in mystery for decades. Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious bully and criminal, was murdered in broad daylight, yet no one came forward to identify the killers. This article explores the chilling story of how an entire community banded together to eliminate a common threat and kept the secret for 30 years.
Key Takeaways
- Ken Rex McElroy was a notorious bully in Skidmore, Missouri.
- He was involved in numerous criminal activities but avoided serious consequences.
- His murder in 1981 was witnessed by many, yet no one spoke up.
- The case remains unsolved, highlighting the complexities of community justice.
The Rise of Ken Rex McElroy
Ken Rex McElroy was born in 1934 to a family of poor migrant farmers. By the age of 15, he had dropped out of school and quickly gained a reputation as a troublemaker. He was involved in cattle rustling and petty theft, stealing everything from alcohol to livestock. Despite numerous accusations, McElroy managed to evade convictions, often using intimidation tactics against those who dared to speak out.
A Troubling Relationship
McElroy’s life took a dark turn when he met Trena McCloud, who was only 12 years old at the time. Their relationship was marked by coercion and fear. McElroy would follow her school bus, demanding that the driver let him take her. Trena gave birth to their first child when she was just 14, and McElroy’s violent tendencies escalated. He even threatened Trena’s family, leading to a series of legal troubles that he ultimately avoided through manipulation.
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A Pattern of Violence
Throughout his life, McElroy was indicted 21 times for various offenses, including assault and statutory rape. His ability to intimidate witnesses and evade justice made him a local terror. One notable incident involved McElroy shooting a farmer named Romaine Henry, who had confronted him about firing guns on his property. Despite the evidence, McElroy was acquitted, further emboldening him.
The Breaking Point
The tipping point came in 1980 when McElroy’s daughter was accused of stealing candy from a local store. In a bizarre twist, McElroy confronted the store owner, Ernest “Bo” Bowenkamp, and even offered to pay Bowenkamp’s wife to fight his own wife. This led to escalating tensions, culminating in McElroy shooting Bowenkamp in the neck. Although he was charged with attempted murder, he was only convicted of assault and released on bail.
