Key Takeaways
- Ken McElroy terrorized Skidmore, Missouri, for decades with criminal activities and intimidation.
- McElroy faced over 21 charges but evaded conviction due to his lawyer and witness intimidation.
- His predatory behavior included sexual assault, child abuse, and violent attacks on townspeople.
- After authorities failed to secure justice, McElroy was murdered by a mob with no prosecutions.
Deep Dive
- Ken Rex McElroy, born 1934 in Skidmore, Missouri, was identified as the central villain.
- His criminal activities began in the 1940s, evolving from a young age.
- A head injury sustained at age 18, causing seizures, was discussed as a potential factor in his behavior.
- McElroy was arrested and charged at least 21 times without conviction.
- His attorney, Richard Gene McFadden, used procedural delays to aid McElroy.
- McElroy intimidated witnesses, jurors, and their families through threats and gun violence, causing cases to fall apart.
- In July 1976, he shot Romaine Henry with a shotgun but evaded conviction using alibi witnesses.
- Ken McElroy had a history as a child molester and rapist, with a complex marital life involving multiple relationships.
- He groomed and abused teenage girls, including a 15-year-old named Sharon, marrying them to prevent testimony.
- He pursued Trina McLeod from age 12 or 13, got her pregnant at 14, and later married her under duress.
- In 1980, McElroy's terror escalated after his young daughter was caught shoplifting candy from Ernest and Lois Boenkamp's grocery store.
- McElroy confronted and shot 70-year-old Ernest Boenkamp through the neck in July.
- Missouri Highway Patrolman Richard Stratton, anticipating McElroy's escape, apprehended him in Fillmore, Missouri.
- Town Marshal David Dunbar resigned after McElroy held him at gunpoint for 20 minutes.
- The town questioned the sheriff's response to McElroy's behavior, speculating sympathy or intimidation.
- After a second-degree assault conviction, McElroy was released on $40,000 bail, angering the town.
- He provoked authorities by brandishing an M1 carbine rifle and threatening his victim, leading to a bond hearing.
- Ken McElroy's bond hearing was delayed, prolonging his freedom and infuriating townspeople.
- A large group gathered at the American Legion Hall for support, learning of the further delay.
- The sheriff advised townspeople to stick together, leading them to form a large group to monitor McElroy.
- A group of about 50 to 60 people gathered at the DNG tavern after learning McElroy was present.
- McElroy was shot twice in the head and neck through his truck's back windshield.
- An examination revealed two different bullet calibers, indicating multiple shooters, over approximately 20 seconds.
- Despite 30 to 60 witnesses present, no one provided information to authorities, leading to no arrests or charges.
- Trina, McElroy's wife, identified Del Clement, co-owner of the DNG tavern, as a shooter.
- Police Chief Hal Riddle found the investigation into McElroy's death the most frustrating, citing systemic failures.
- Trina filed a $5 million wrongful death civil suit in 1985, settling for $17,600 without defendants admitting wrongdoing.
- Highway Patrolman Richard Stratton expressed regret over law enforcement's failure, stating he knew the shooters but would not reveal them.