November 7, 2024 • 40 mins
In this episode we look into the chilling true crime story of Ken Rex McElroy. On July 10, 1981, McElroy was shot dead in broad daylight in Skidmore, Missouri, with sixty witnesses to his murder, yet the perpetrator remains unknown to this day. Uncover the sinister life of McElroy, a notorious local tyrant and criminal who intimidated an entire town for decades. Learn about his countless felonies, his bizarre and violent behavior following a head injury, and the community's ultimate decision to take justice into their own hands. Despite the involvement of law enforcement and the FBI, the town's residents have kept a steadfast silence about the killer's identity, creating a legacy shrouded in mystery and fear. Listen to all the shocking details and untold truths about a town united by their fear of one man.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
D (00:00):
Hey guys, welcome to the EEerie Side Podcast with your
hosts, D, Sophia, and Elena.
We appreciate you guys listeningand I hope you are ready to get
on the Eerie Side.
(00:47):
Before we get into the show, wewould appreciate if you give the
podcast a follow and make surethe bell notification is turned
on so you'll be notifiedwhenever we drop an episode.
If you enjoy the show, we wouldlove to have you leave us a
review and if there's a casesuggestion or any feedback you'd
like to share, feel free to sendus a message in the text box
(01:10):
below.
Share the podcast with family,friends, coworkers.
Or really anyone you think willenjoy it.
Please follow us on Instagram,TikTok, and Facebook.
My story happened on July 10 of1981 in Skidmore, Missouri.
Ken Rex McElroy was shot dead inthe streets in broad daylight.
(01:32):
They were around 60 witnesses,but to this day, the crime
remains unsolved.
Let me tell you a little bitabout Ken Rex McElroy, who was
born in 1934.
He was the 15th of 16 childrenborn to a poor migrant tenant
(01:53):
farming couple named Tony andMabel McElroy, who had moved
between Kansas and the Ozarksbefore settling outside of
Skidmore, Missouri.
Sophia (02:05):
Wow, 16 kids is a lot.
So he's like the baby almost.
D (02:08):
Almost, yes.
He dropped out of school at theage of 15 in the 8th grade.
It was believed that he waspossibly largely illiterate and
at 18 years old he was injuredby a metal slab him at a
construction site.
The incident left him withchronic pain and some attributed
(02:32):
his sometimes bizarre andviolent behavior to a head
injury as a result of theaccident.
He quickly established a localreputation as a hog and cattle
rustler.
thief and womanizer.
Over the course of his life,McElroy was accused of dozens of
(02:53):
felonies, including assault,child molestation, statutory
rape, arson, animal cruelty, andburglary.
For more than two decades,McElroy was suspected of being
involved in the theft of grain,gasoline, alcohol, and antiques,
but he avoided conviction whencharges were brought to him 21
(03:17):
times.
Often, other witnesses refusedto testify because he allegedly
intimidated them, frequently byfollowing his targets or parking
outside their homes and watchingthem.
Often, witnesses changed theirmind about testifying before
trials began.
If a case did make it to trial,a juror might open the mailbox
(03:40):
to find a rattlesnake.
Richard Gene McFadden wasMcElroy's lawyer, and he could
get Ken off every time.
Almost everyone, with theexception of Bo Bowenkamp,
backed down.
He was known as the town bully.
McElroy was reported as being a270 pound giant of a man on his
(04:04):
more than six foot frame.
McElroy had thick black eyebrowsand sideburns, heavy lid, vile,
cold, still blue eyes, makingthem look half moons.
Said the following,"I think thatKen simply wanted to be big and
important and have people afraidof him when he walked down the
(04:28):
street.
And he got that.
They were." He was as mean as helooked.
He was very cunning and he knewwhich people to pick on.
The weak people.
And he followed through on histhreats just often enough to
make people believe he was goingto do what he said he was going
to do.
He had a legendary status and itall got to be bigger than he
(04:52):
was.
Somebody would hear his name andthe legend grew bigger.
When he got off on a trial, itgrew even bigger.
He went beyond just hammeringpeople and being mean spirited.
He neutralized an entirecriminal justice system.
McElroy made a decent living byleasing the land off his farm,
(05:15):
trading and raising dogs, aswell as all the stealing he did.
He was in constant trouble withthe law.
Livestock owners looked theother way when a few head of
cattle Or hogs vanished in thenight or gas barrels used to
fuel farm implements werenoticeably emptier.
(05:35):
The mere mention of his surnamewas enough to cause anxiety, if
not full terror.
Sophia (05:42):
Did these farmers suspect whenever their cattle or
animals went missing that it wasimmediately McElroy?
D (05:48):
Correct.
Sophia (05:49):
And so just because of that they didn't even want to go
for it because they knew hisreputation.
D (05:53):
Correct, and it was him.
Because they're all neighbors.
So they know each other in thislittle town.
They really do.
So they know the reputation.
They know which neighbor woulddo it.
And it was him.
Elena (06:07):
So they knew right away.
Sophia (06:09):
I'm sure in a town like that, everyone knows what's
going on at all times.
Just because of the talk.
Elena (06:14):
Yeah, small town.
D (06:16):
Right, they were small town.
They knew it.
He may have bragged about ittoo, a little bit, because it
just sounds that he didn'treally care because he would get
away with it.
Sophia (06:24):
Was McElroy normal before his head injury?
D (06:27):
I don't really know.
They don't talk about it, but ifyou think about it, he was one
of 16.
They moved around a lot.
By the time they actuallysettled in Skidmore, I don't
know how much the family wasknown by the town.
Sophia (06:42):
I also wonder how maybe there was a lot on his parents
minds, just having so manychildren too.
It could have been hard tomanage all of them and moving.
D (06:49):
We're talking back in the forties and fifties.
they didn't have the same way ofschools and health and mental
health and even learningdisabilities or anything like
that.
So I'm not sure if he hadsomething to begin with or just
the head injury did it.
I have no idea.
There's no mention of him, ofhis childhood and how he acted
(07:13):
or was.
Sophia (07:14):
Well, a head injury never helps.
D (07:16):
That's true.
When they met him on the street,parents steered their children,
especially their daughters, awayfrom McElroy.
It was a matter of selfpreservation.
Retaliation would be severe.
Calling the sheriff about histhreats was a risk few were
willing to take.
Not that he would have done muchgood.
(07:39):
Now McElroy fathered 10 to 15children.
I don't know exactly how manybecause I see that they say more
than 10, but the most I've seenis 15.
So it was somewhere between 10to 15 with different women.
He met his last wife, TrenaMcCloud when she was 12 years
old and in eighth grade and hewas 35.
(08:04):
He raped McCloud repeatedly.
McCloud's parents initiallyopposed the relationship, but
after McElroy burned their houseand shot the family dog, they
begrudgingly agreed to themarriage.
Elena (08:18):
What?
Oh, that's ridiculous.
D (08:22):
Yes, first of all, he was raping her.
I don't know how they consideredit a relationship.
All I can think of was this girlwho was 12, just probably just
thought it was normal or.
Sophia (08:35):
Maybe she had feelings for him.
D (08:36):
Maybe eventually.
I don't think at first.
Sophia (08:38):
Okay.
She can't consent anyways, butin When he came after her that
she was excited about, was sheimmediately like, no, I don't
want anything to do with thisman?
D (08:49):
I don't think she wanted anything to do with him because
they say she was raped.
I know that she was underage,but I think she was officially
raped.
Sophia (08:57):
I don't understand why the police department just
doesn't take this man.
D (09:01):
I'll get a little bit more into it.
He sidestepped it.
So her parents finally agreed toit.
They've lost everything at thispoint.
she became pregnant when she was14, dropped out of school in the
ninth grade, and went to livewith McElroy and his second
wife, Alice.
Elena (09:19):
Wait, so she's That's right.
14 years old is now living with,pregnant, living with his second
wife.
D (09:28):
Correct.
That's right.
He's still married to his secondwife.
Elena (09:30):
Wow.
And the second wife iscompletely aware of who she is
or.
D (09:36):
Correct.
I think there's a lot of abusein this household Mm hmm.
That's causes fear and Doesn'tgive them the power or ability
to speak up or get away.
Sophia (09:47):
This poor girl must have been so traumatized and
depressed with this entiresituation.
Elena (09:53):
Yeah, I know and then had to have to go and live with him
afterwards.
Sophia (09:56):
It just depressing.
It's devastating It's horrific.
D (09:59):
Yes, and I do not know if Trena's life at home was good or
bad, because she did go withhim, and she did stay with him
for a while.
Sophia (10:08):
I don't think she could willingly do that at her age,
and given what he did to herfamily's home.
D (10:13):
There's something there.
I don't know.
Eventually McElroy divorcedAlice and married Trena in order
to escape charges of statutoryrape, to which she was the only
witness.
Sixteen days after Trena gavebirth, she and Alice fled to
Trena's parents house.
(10:33):
According to the court records,McElroy tracked them down and
brought them back.
When Trena's parents went away,McElroy went to their home once
again and he burned the housedown again.
What?
And shot the McCloud's new dog.
Elena (10:51):
Oh my god.
Sophia (10:52):
No.
D (10:53):
Yes, this individual is just, as far as I'm concerned, he's
really off the deep end.
Sophia (10:59):
He's controlling, he thinks he deserves everything he
wants.
D (11:01):
Yes.
I do not understand why thecourt systems and the police did
not get involved though becauseI mean it's obviously there's a
court record on this which meanshe never went to jail for most
of this.
Sophia (11:14):
They're treating him like a king and I want to know
why.
Elena (11:17):
Yeah this is getting ridiculous.
Sophia (11:18):
Unacceptable.
D (11:20):
Now based on Trena's story McElroy was indicted in June of
1973 for arson, assault, andstatutory rape.
He was arrested, booked,arranged and released on$2,500
bail.
Trena and her baby were placedin foster care at a home in
Maryville, Missouri.
(11:41):
McElroy sat outside the fosterhome for hours at a time staring
at it.
He told the foster family thathe would trade a girl for a
girl, to get his child back.
Since he knew where the fosterfamily's biological daughter
went to school and what busroute she rode, additional
(12:02):
charges were filed againstMcElroy.
Elena (12:05):
So, he basically threatened
D (12:07):
the foster family's
Elena (12:09):
actual daughter.
For his daughter,
D (12:11):
the family, he threatened the family for his wife and family
because she was under age.
She was put in a foster home.
Elena (12:19):
Exactly.
D (12:20):
He wanted them back, but this was a law that was there and it
wasn't like they took away hiswife and daughter on their own.
But yes, that's how hethreatened them.
On July 27, 1976, Skidmorefarmer Romaine Henry said that
McElroy shot him twice with ashotgun after Henry challenged
(12:41):
him for shooting weapons onHenry's property.
McElroy was charged with assaultwith intent to kill.
McElroy denied he was at thescene as the case dragged down
without a court date.
Henry said McElroy had parkedoutside his home at least 100
times.
At the trial, two raccoonhunters testified they were with
(13:05):
McElroy the day of the shootingaway from Henry's property.
Henry was forced to admit underquestioning by McElroy's
attorney Richard McFadden thathe had concealed his own petty
criminal conviction from morethan 30 years previous.
McElroy was acquitted.
(13:27):
I really don't know why itmatters if the man had
conviction 30 years ago.
Just because he had aconviction, I don't think he was
lying about McElroy.
On April 25, 1980, Evelyn Sumy,who worked in Ernest Bo
Bowenkamp's general store, as astore clerk, would ask McElroy's
eight year old daughter Tanya toreturn a piece of candy that she
(13:51):
didn't pay for.
Ernest Bowenkamp was 70 yearsold and with his wife Louise
they owned the store.
Then Ken and his wife came intothe store.
Ken stood silently at the backof the store while his wife tore
into Sumy in an argument lacedwith four letter bombs.
(14:11):
tried to explain what hadhappened, that nobody had
accused the children of stealingand Trena said, Why would my
daughter lie?
The McElroys eventually left thestore, but when Bowenkamp closed
up that night, Ken was outsidewaiting.
Refusing to argue, he and Loiswent home.
(14:31):
He showed up in the front oftheir house that night, and he
and Trena sat there and watchedthem.
Sophia (14:38):
Wow, Trena is now becoming.
D (14:40):
Correct.
Part of the problem.
Sophia (14:42):
Yeah, that's in a way.
That's so sad.
D (14:44):
Or becoming part of his style of living.
Sophia (14:46):
That's just sad.
D (14:47):
It became a pattern.
Once Ken even got out and fireda shotgun up in the pine tree by
their house.
Evelyn lived across the streetand he made sure she could see
them.
He'd leave, then he'd come back.
Now, McElroy began stalking theBowenkamp family and eventually
(15:08):
threatened Bo in the back of hisstore with a shotgun in the
hand.
On July 8th, now remember thesedates, okay?
On July 8th of 1980, McElroydrove to the alley behind the
general store.
Once there, he threatened BoBowenkamp, who is sitting in the
back of the loading dock of hisstore, waiting for an air
(15:30):
conditioner repairman.
Ken shot the 70 year old grocerin the neck at close range with
a shotgun.
A deer slug in one chamber torethrough Bowenkamp's neck, coming
within three inches of his head.
Miraculously, Bo Bowenkampsurvived the shot.
Sophia (15:52):
Yeah, that's incredible.
From a shotgun in the neck.
Yeah, that's hard.
D (15:55):
Close range too.
And it's for a deer, okay?
Elena (15:58):
Oh, it was a buckshot?
D (15:59):
Yeah, deer slug.
Missouri State Highway PatrolTrooper Richard Stratton, the
only lawman in the NorthwestMissouri, ever known to stand up
to McElroy, hunted McElroy down,and arrested him on attempted
murder charge.
He spent the night in jailbefore posting bond, then
(16:19):
strolled menacingly back to theD& G Tavern and pool hall and
took his usual spot.
Elena (16:27):
What's interesting is that I know I didn't turn out
exactly how the officer wantedbut there was one officer who
was able to stand up to all ofthis and tried to arrest him and
Finally stand up to him.
D (16:38):
Right what the only thing he do was arrest him right in the
jail and the guy came Out withinthe next day by posting bond so
again Nothing's reallyhappening.
Elena (16:47):
Yeah, it's just like even when they do try there's no
point to it because he has somuch power and he has so much
influence and everything He canjust walk free and then
everyone's just giving up.
D (16:56):
Correct.
The town wondered.
How is this man not in jail?
Asked by many when he showed upin Skidmore the morning after
his release.
His preliminary trial was setfor August 18th, 1980 in his
usual fashion.
McElroy tried to intimidate theBowenkamp family and supporters
from testifying.
(17:17):
Bowenkamp's wife said, You can'tknow how intimidating it was
after that.
Before his trial, he'd drive upto our house in his pickup at
night and just sit there.
Sometimes he would fire his gun.
It was frightening.
In addition, the Bowenkamps andSumy went to bed scared, woke up
(17:42):
frightened, and lived in terrorwith every breath.
They slept in shifts with somefriend or family member keeping
an eye on the street.
Sophia (17:52):
He's just trying to intimidate them into not
testifying.
D (17:54):
Correct.
Correct.
There were so many nights Bocouldn't go out and mow the yard
or water the flowers becausethere was a truck parked down
the street and they werewatching the house.
McElroy would just sit andglower at them, then stare at
them, and they would never knowwhat he was thinking.
McElroy was known to pay localkids for information about who
(18:18):
was where in town at a time.
So the Bowenkamps had alsodeveloped their own network of
informants.
They delivered messages in code.
For example, One of the ownersof the D& G Tavern would send
her young children to thegrocery store for paper towels.
Keeping the children innocentlyunaware, they were telegraphing
(18:40):
an urgent message for theBowenkamps to call the police.
McElroy was in town and behavingbelligerently.
They may not see him for threeor four days, and then they'd
see him every day for weeks.
Everyone was keeping an eye onthe Bowenkemps and Sumy.
When they didn't know where hewas, they didn't dare take the
(19:02):
chance of not being on theirguard.
After McElroy fired a gunoutside her house, Emily Sumy
appealed to Dave Dunbar, thetown marshal.
Downbar talked to him, andMcElroy pulled a gun on him, and
he quit.
Sophia (19:20):
The town marshal quit?
D (19:21):
Yes.
Elena (19:23):
Oh, okay.
That's interesting.
D (19:25):
Yes, even people higher up were afraid of him.
Elena (19:28):
Yeah.
D (19:29):
She took her complaint to, at that time, was Nodaway County
Sheriff Roger Kronk.
He was unfazed.
The sheriff said to her, If youhave to shoot him, let us know
and we'll get him before hestarts stinking.
Sophia (19:45):
Stinking?
D (19:46):
If they kill him before he starts stinking.
But what I don't understand isthey expect the citizens to kill
him?
Sophia (19:52):
It's interesting because it seems like the sheriff will
not care that he's dead.
Which I'm not surprised aboutconsidering he's just such
trouble that no one's doinganything about.
But if that's the case, whydon't they take some form of
action to Either put him inperson for a while or it's so
interesting to me that thesheriff even said that.
D (20:11):
Yeah, it is interesting.
Nevertheless, McElroy was ableto delay the trial almost five
months to June 25th, 1981.
Eventually, during this time,the acting prosecutor attorney
resigned, and a new prosecutor,David Baird, was assigned to the
case.
It was rumored that McElroybullied the previous prosecutor
(20:34):
to leave.
Baird was only three years outof law school, but accomplished
the impossible.
He was able to convict McElroyof a crime.
Granted, he was only convictedof a second degree assault.
The jury set a maximum sentenceof two years and the judge freed
him on a$40,000 bail bondpending the appeal.
Sophia (20:58):
That's such special treatment.
Elena (21:00):
Two years to this crazy.
D (21:05):
Now this is because Baird lessen the charge from attempt
to kill to knowingly causeserious physical injury after
McElroy was released on bond.
He engaged in an ongoingharassment campaign against
Bowenkamp and others who weresympathetic to the Bowenkamp,
including the town's Christ ofChurch minister.
(21:27):
On July 9th, 1981, he appearedat the local bar, the D& G
Tavern.
armed with an Garanda rifle anda bayonet attached and made
graphic threats about what hewould do to Bo Bowenkamp and
threatened to kill him.
This led to several patronsdeciding to see what they could
(21:49):
do legally to prevent McElroyfrom harming anyone else.
On July 10th, which is now thenext day, okay, of 1981, there
was a local meeting at thetown's Legion Hall, just down
the street from the D& G Tavern.
As many as 60 residentsattended, including the mayor
(22:11):
and the Nodaway County SheriffDan Estes.
During the meeting, the wholetopic of discussion was what
they could do legally to preventMcElroy from harming anyone
else.
County Sheriff Dan Estessuggested a neighborhood watch,
but the mindset was Saidperfectly by an attendee, we
(22:32):
simply felt the system hadfailed us.
We all knew that McElroy waslike, and there he was again and
again.
It seemed like no one could stophim.
Sophia (22:43):
I feel like this is a long time coming, and I also
feel like I may know the end ofthe story.
I'm not sure.
Well.
Elena (22:49):
Like you've heard of it?
Sophia (22:51):
Maybe, or potentially not.
I'll see where it ends.
D (22:54):
Don't forget now, you have 60 people, they're all there to
figure out what to do withMcElroy, okay?
So, tensions are high.
And the only thing the sherifftells them is create a
neighborhood watch.
If you have 60 people, they'reall there to deal with a
problem.
And the only thing that thesheriff says that I think you
would think the tensions werepretty high and they feel
frustrated.
Okay.
(23:15):
During their meeting, McElroyarrived at the D G tavern with
his wife, Trena.
Elena (23:22):
Wow.
Sophia (23:23):
That's funny.
D (23:23):
As he sat, drinking at the bar, word got back to the men at
the Legion Hall that he was intown.
Sheriff Estes instructed theassembly group not to go into
direct confrontation withMcElroy, but instead to
seriously consider forming aneighborhood watch program.
Estes then drove out of town inhis police cruiser.
(23:46):
The citizens at the meetingdecided to go to the tavern and
en masse.
The bar soon filled completely.
After McElroy finished hisdrinks, because he was not fazed
that there were so many peoplein there for him, and they were
just sitting there waiting andwatching him.
Sophia (24:03):
Yeah, that would have been odd for him.
D (24:04):
He didn't care.
He wasn't fazed.
He purchased a six pack of beer,left the bar and entered his
pickup truck.
Upon returning to the truckwhere Trena was sitting in the
passenger seat, McElroy lit acigarette.
So he definitely was not afraidof all these people around his
truck.
Because as he left the bar, allthe people left the bar and went
(24:28):
around his truck.
Okay.
He even lit his cigarette.
He was telling them, Hey, I'mnot afraid of any of you.
Trena then reported glancingover her shoulder.
And saw someone point a rifletowards the back of the truck
and take aim at McElroy.
And then shots were fired.
A couple of men hustled Trena toa nearby bank away from the
(24:50):
gunfire.
McElroy was shot at severaltimes, but hit only twice.
Once by a centerfire rifle, andonce by a.22 rimfire rifle.
In all, there were at least 46,probably more, but at least 46
potential witnesses to theshooting, including Trena
McElroy.
(25:12):
When the shooting ended, McElroywas slumped over the steering
wheel.
And everyone just went home.
Nobody called for an ambulance.
When Estes and the statetroopers arrived back in town,
the streets were empty andquiet.
Except for the rumbling, smokingengine of McElroy's truck.
(25:33):
His foot had fallen on theaccelerator when he was shot,
causing the engine to run a fullbore.
No one bothered to turn it off.
Sophia (25:43):
Can I ask you, where is Trena in all of this?
D (25:47):
The only thing I know is she was taken away at the shooting
and I don't even think she wentback because no one called for
an ambulance.
Sophia (25:59):
I wonder if she decided to give up or if the community
members did something to preventher from doing it.
D (26:06):
I don't know if the community members prevented her from going
back or she decided it was tootoxic for her to go back and
dangerous because it was a moband she just decided not to get
involved.
Elena (26:18):
Some people do make that decision and that's very
possible.
D (26:22):
I don't know because I was wondering.
I don't know what she said, I'llget into it, but she was in
court, but it was kept quiet,the records were private, they
are not out there.
It had been said that theattitude of some townspeople
were he needed killing.
To this day, the person who shotKen McElroy remains unknown.
(26:43):
Yet in a conspiracy of silencethat has spanned in the past 43
years, the Townsfolk have keptthe secret close.
it's really interesting when acouple of people create a crime,
it's hard to keep all of themquiet.
A whole town has kept quiet onthis.
Sophia (26:58):
It's, the community has bonded together.
D (27:01):
They have, yes.
Elena (27:02):
It's kind of crazy to think about it.
Sophia (27:04):
Yeah, I have heard of this, but not to the detail that
you did, I think, and so this isreally interesting to hear the
whole story in detail.
Wow, I don't know if a communityhas ever bonded.
to the level that this communitydid.
Elena (27:19):
At least not like as, maybe it's a traumatic one.
I don't, I'm not honestly sure.
Sophia (27:23):
But the think about like we have to protect each other,
like we have to protect thetribe because I think all of
their lives were at risk or atstake because he was dangerous.
Elena (27:34):
I completely agree, but it's like a conspiracy theory.
A whole town conspiracy theory.
Which is crazy, because younever assume certain conspiracy
theories can, one, run thisdeep, and two, be proven.
But it is, when you think aboutit.
D (27:48):
Yes, you need to remember that what created this whole
thing is fear fear of theirlives So I think that's why this
is how they thought the townsaid the following,"we stood up
and did the right thing We wentto the police.
We went to the courts.
We went everywhere we could butjustice would just stay
delicately out of the way Thejustice system had as much to do
(28:13):
with the killing of Ken McElroyas anyone in Skidmore did."
Sophia (28:17):
They're right to say that because I don't know of any
other story or situation wherean individual like that, who is
not even politically connectedto my knowledge, or isn't even
such a high level figure, heseems like just an everyday kind
of person.
I've never heard, A story likethis where the justice system
(28:39):
has completely failed to doanything, which is, I think, why
we've never seen, to myknowledge, another situation
like what the town did and howthey banded together to solve
this.
D (28:50):
Well, they did solve their problem.
Elena (28:52):
Yeah.
You know.
They definitely did.
Interesting way.
D (29:06):
Every other witness was either unable to name an
assailant.
Sophia (29:11):
I love that.
D (29:12):
Or claimed not to have seen who fired the fatal shots.
Elena (29:15):
I wonder why.
D (29:17):
McElroy's widow said she told a county grand jury who murdered
her husband.
Still, the panel didn't returnan indictment, giving rise to
conspiracy theories about a lawenforcement cover up.
The DA declined to presscharges..
The FBI entered the case,investigators dug and dug, but
(29:40):
Skidmore residents maintainedtheir silence.
A federal jury was convened.
Again, there were no indictmentsand McElroy murder case was
tossed back to the DA.
The guns were never recovered.
Many wondered why didn't the DApress charges against the man,
Trena McElroy fingered as herhusband's killer.
(30:03):
The former prosecutor said,"wedidn't have sufficient evidence
to go to trial. (30:09):
They can't go to trial with one witness when
there was at least 40 somewitnesses there.
Sophia (30:15):
Right.
Yeah.
That's definitely a big loopholethat an attorney is going to
point out.
D (30:22):
Correct.
There were witnesses.
It really is that it was neverspoken of.
They had an instinctive reactionto close up.
A lot of them didn't even telltheir wives and children.
They just went stone silent.
Sophia (30:38):
They were definitely protecting everyone.
D (30:40):
They were protecting themselves and the town.
And their families.
Sophia (30:44):
You don't even see communities bond like that.
And maybe they had a reason to,but that's definitely very
unique.
D (30:51):
It was.
Yeah.
Skidmore Townsfolk may not haveat all liked how he was killed.
It was murder after all.
But when he died, most of thetown's 435 residents left out a
heavy sigh of relief.
They could finally sleeppeacefully at night, especially
(31:14):
Bo and Lois Bowenkamp and theirchildren.
And Sumy actually also.
On July 9th, 1984, Trena McElroyfiled a$5 million wrongful death
lawsuit against the town ofSkidmore, County of Nodaway,
Sheriff Danny Estes, StevePeters, Mayor of Skidmore, and
(31:36):
Del Clement, whom Trena accusedof being the shooter, but who
was never charged.
The case was later settled outof court by the parties for
$17,600.
With no one admitting guilt forthe stated reason of avoiding
costly legal fees, could thesuit proceed.
(31:57):
Trena remarried and moved toLebanon, Missouri, where she
died of cancer on her 55thbirthday on January 24, 2012.
Elena (32:06):
Oh, that's 2012, so how many years was that from all
this?
D (32:11):
From, when she died?
Elena (32:12):
Yeah.
D (32:13):
She died, 12 years ago.
Sophia (32:14):
No, from when the murder happened.
Yeah.
D (32:17):
The murder, when he died in the murder?
Sophia (32:20):
Yeah.
What year was he murdered?
D (32:22):
He was murdered 1981, I thought.
Elena (32:25):
Okay, so she spent a lot of, it was a lot, so she died a
while after.
Okay.
Sophia (32:29):
I wonder why they didn't hide.
Trena, who the murderer was.
D (32:35):
I think it was a reaction.
I don't think, from what I wasreading, the people did not get
together that day to discuss howto kill him.
Sophia (32:44):
Okay.
D (32:44):
So what happened was, in that meeting, I think emotions were
high, they were frustrated, noone had a solution that would
work.
When they heard he was there,they all went out, and I think
whoever decided to do it justdid it, and the rest of the town
said, You know what?
I don't think they got togetherand said, okay, you're going to
(33:07):
shoot him and we're not going toknow.
I think it was people werefrustrated.
And if that gentleman was theone who shot him, if he did it,
I think someone else would have.
I just think that's how high theemotions were that day.
Elena (33:23):
Someone was going to do it one way or another.
D (33:25):
And don't forget they're farmers.
They have their guns with them.
And they have been able to keeptheir patience and do everything
correctly.
And then this happened to them.
Sophia (33:35):
Well, and I think also being farmers, and it's 1981,
I'm sure there is an attitudeof, okay, we have trusted law
enforcement for too long, and ithas failed us.
And something's got to give forthem, probably.
D (33:47):
Correct.
And.
I think the legal team did tryto find out who it was, but once
they realized that everybody wasshutting up,, I think they just
said, forget this, we're notgoing to go.
Now the FBI came and from what Iread, they were pushing people
to, admit to it and, say who didit and confess, confess.
No one did.
They said FBI pushed people somuch and no one confessed.
Elena (34:11):
That's crazy.
Sophia (34:11):
That's.
Elena (34:12):
Statistically, I just feel like it would just be very
possible that someone wouldeventually confess, but that's
just crazy that the whole towndid it.
Sophia (34:21):
It's hard to think that that's even possible for
somebody not to break.
Elena (34:24):
Because I just figured someone would have said
something.
Sophia (34:27):
I'm also, outraged and disappointed that law
enforcement put so much effortto finding his killer when he
committed so many crimes andthey did nothing.
Like if they had put that sameeffort to stopping his behavior
and his crimes.
Elena (34:41):
I think that they still have to regardless of Who the
person was, it is their job.
Sophia (34:45):
But that's true, why didn't they, why didn't they do
that for every time McElroycommitted a crime?
Elena (34:49):
I don't think that at least for the FBI they weren't
called in yet.
Sophia (34:51):
Not the FBI, but the other justices.
Elena (34:53):
No, but I'm just saying, as to why they were
investigating, it was their job.
Sophia (34:57):
but it just seems like they were really trying to
figure out who murdered him, andit's like, Why weren't you there
when you needed to solve all thecrimes?
Elena (35:04):
Well, the police I know were part of the corruption.
D (35:06):
The police were not part of what corruption?
Elena (35:09):
The police were turning a blind eye too.
D (35:11):
Correct.
But I also think they may havebeen fearful with him too.
I think that is why probablythey didn't care as much.
I think the FBI did come in tosolve the problem.
They were pressured so much.
People were saying the FBIreally pressured them.
What is the FBI going to do?
They're all adult men probably,they've seen a lot, they feel
(35:32):
threatened.
And I think they just said wherewere you when we needed you?
I think inside them.
I don't think they said it tothem and that's what kept them
all stay.
I don't even think they hadthis, situation where everybody
said, okay, don't say anything.
I think they all knew not to saya word.
Sophia (35:50):
It was understood.
D (35:51):
Yeah.
It was so well understood.
Sophia (35:53):
I wonder if, because the crimes McElroy was committing
was not Something like murderthat could put him away for a
while that people didn't want toGet involved because they knew
he would only put in so muchtime and then he'd be back out
and he could start Harassingthem and potentially hurting
them.
D (36:10):
I think that everybody did not want to deal with him
Bowenkamp almost died.
I mean if you think about it,and what did he get?
He was gonna get two years injail for it
Elena (36:22):
Yeah.
Sophia (36:23):
What to think about that Trena submitted that lawsuit and
to remember that once Trena wasthat 14 year old girl who was
D (36:33):
12 actually when she was started.
Sophia (36:35):
Yeah, she was raped.
And in some ways kidnapped tobeing his wild bride.
Right?
I mean, it's really sad to seeher.
I,
D (36:47):
Personally, I've been thinking about it, Trena, and I
think that she was so abused,she didn't really understand how
to get away or what to do.
Yeah.
She did stand up and say, okay,I think he's the one who killed
my husband.
I think the money was to helpher because I don't think she
had much after he died.
And I've thought of this and Ithink this might have been good
(37:10):
for his daughter since he wasknown to go after young girls.
And you don't know if that wasalso, Something that he would do
with his own daughter.
You have no idea.
Elena (37:22):
He was a terrible person.
I wouldn't be surprised.
I wouldn't put it past him.
Yeah.
D (37:26):
And the other thing is, Trena, if you really think about
it, how long would he keep her?
Because he seems to like themyoung.
And, let's see, he had hisdaughter when he was 14, and she
was 8.
She's only 22.
If you think about it.
She's really young.
Trena is probably just maturingat this point.
(37:48):
I know women mature a littlefaster, but still, if you think
about it, she's gone throughabuse and trauma.
Sophia (37:54):
Yeah.
Definitely a unique story that Idon't think we're going to see
something like this probablyever again.
D (37:59):
I don't know.
Nowadays with people carryingguns all the time in some states
I wonder.
Sophia (38:06):
I think it could be hard though with social media and
everybody has their phones out.
Elena (38:11):
Nowadays everything, the second someone thinks
something's going on they allwhip out their phones.
Sophia (38:17):
And I think communities are not as connected as they
were back then.
Elena (38:21):
Yeah.
Definitely not.
Unless you're going to like arural farming community, maybe.
Sophia (38:26):
That's probably the best chance of finding something
similar.
Elena (38:29):
Which is what they had in this case.
D (38:31):
Well, I also think that his brain injury may have made
things worse.
Sophia (38:36):
100%.
I mean, I don't know.
He may have been a bad personbefore, but this definitely
would have Accelerated his brainissues and his aggression.
D (38:45):
Right.
I mean he had a lot of issueshere.
Anyone who's spent so much timesitting outside a neighbor's
house.
Why don't you just stay withyour kids?
Why waste your time?
Elena (38:56):
But that was still after the head injury, right?
D (38:58):
That yes, because his head injury started when he was 18.
Yes.
All, a lot of this startedafterward.
Okay.
Sophia (39:05):
He definitely had some sort of control issues.
Something was going on.
D (39:09):
Yes, he did.
I want to thank you all forlistening to us this week.
We love our listeners andbecause of you, we do this
podcast.
Your help and engagement reallyhelps the podcast grow.
If you enjoyed this episode,please text a friend and family
member to listen to our podcast.
(39:30):
Until next time, make sure youstay on the Eerie Side.
Bye.
Bye.
Thank you.
Be safe.
Hey guys, welcome to the EEerie Side Podcast with your
hosts, D, Sophia, and Elena.
We appreciate you guys listeningand I hope you are ready to get
on the Eerie Side.
(00:47):
Before we get into the show, wewould appreciate if you give the
podcast a follow and make surethe bell notification is turned
on so you'll be notifiedwhenever we drop an episode.
If you enjoy the show, we wouldlove to have you leave us a
review and if there's a casesuggestion or any feedback you'd
like to share, feel free to sendus a message in the text box
(01:10):
below.
Share the podcast with family,friends, coworkers.
Or really anyone you think willenjoy it.
Please follow us on Instagram,TikTok, and Facebook.
My story happened on July 10 of1981 in Skidmore, Missouri.
Ken Rex McElroy was shot dead inthe streets in broad daylight.
(01:32):
They were around 60 witnesses,but to this day, the crime
remains unsolved.
Let me tell you a little bitabout Ken Rex McElroy, who was
born in 1934.
He was the 15th of 16 childrenborn to a poor migrant tenant
(01:53):
farming couple named Tony andMabel McElroy, who had moved
between Kansas and the Ozarksbefore settling outside of
Skidmore, Missouri.
Sophia (02:05):
Wow, 16 kids is a lot.
So he's like the baby almost.
D (02:08):
Almost, yes.
He dropped out of school at theage of 15 in the 8th grade.
It was believed that he waspossibly largely illiterate and
at 18 years old he was injuredby a metal slab him at a
construction site.
The incident left him withchronic pain and some attributed
(02:32):
his sometimes bizarre andviolent behavior to a head
injury as a result of theaccident.
He quickly established a localreputation as a hog and cattle
rustler.
thief and womanizer.
Over the course of his life,McElroy was accused of dozens of
(02:53):
felonies, including assault,child molestation, statutory
rape, arson, animal cruelty, andburglary.
For more than two decades,McElroy was suspected of being
involved in the theft of grain,gasoline, alcohol, and antiques,
but he avoided conviction whencharges were brought to him 21
(03:17):
times.
Often, other witnesses refusedto testify because he allegedly
intimidated them, frequently byfollowing his targets or parking
outside their homes and watchingthem.
Often, witnesses changed theirmind about testifying before
trials began.
If a case did make it to trial,a juror might open the mailbox
(03:40):
to find a rattlesnake.
Richard Gene McFadden wasMcElroy's lawyer, and he could
get Ken off every time.
Almost everyone, with theexception of Bo Bowenkamp,
backed down.
He was known as the town bully.
McElroy was reported as being a270 pound giant of a man on his
(04:04):
more than six foot frame.
McElroy had thick black eyebrowsand sideburns, heavy lid, vile,
cold, still blue eyes, makingthem look half moons.
Said the following,"I think thatKen simply wanted to be big and
important and have people afraidof him when he walked down the
(04:28):
street.
And he got that.
They were." He was as mean as helooked.
He was very cunning and he knewwhich people to pick on.
The weak people.
And he followed through on histhreats just often enough to
make people believe he was goingto do what he said he was going
to do.
He had a legendary status and itall got to be bigger than he
(04:52):
was.
Somebody would hear his name andthe legend grew bigger.
When he got off on a trial, itgrew even bigger.
He went beyond just hammeringpeople and being mean spirited.
He neutralized an entirecriminal justice system.
McElroy made a decent living byleasing the land off his farm,
(05:15):
trading and raising dogs, aswell as all the stealing he did.
He was in constant trouble withthe law.
Livestock owners looked theother way when a few head of
cattle Or hogs vanished in thenight or gas barrels used to
fuel farm implements werenoticeably emptier.
(05:35):
The mere mention of his surnamewas enough to cause anxiety, if
not full terror.
Sophia (05:42):
Did these farmers suspect whenever their cattle or
animals went missing that it wasimmediately McElroy?
D (05:48):
Correct.
Sophia (05:49):
And so just because of that they didn't even want to go
for it because they knew hisreputation.
D (05:53):
Correct, and it was him.
Because they're all neighbors.
So they know each other in thislittle town.
They really do.
So they know the reputation.
They know which neighbor woulddo it.
And it was him.
Elena (06:07):
So they knew right away.
Sophia (06:09):
I'm sure in a town like that, everyone knows what's
going on at all times.
Just because of the talk.
Elena (06:14):
Yeah, small town.
D (06:16):
Right, they were small town.
They knew it.
He may have bragged about ittoo, a little bit, because it
just sounds that he didn'treally care because he would get
away with it.
Sophia (06:24):
Was McElroy normal before his head injury?
D (06:27):
I don't really know.
They don't talk about it, but ifyou think about it, he was one
of 16.
They moved around a lot.
By the time they actuallysettled in Skidmore, I don't
know how much the family wasknown by the town.
Sophia (06:42):
I also wonder how maybe there was a lot on his parents
minds, just having so manychildren too.
It could have been hard tomanage all of them and moving.
D (06:49):
We're talking back in the forties and fifties.
they didn't have the same way ofschools and health and mental
health and even learningdisabilities or anything like
that.
So I'm not sure if he hadsomething to begin with or just
the head injury did it.
I have no idea.
There's no mention of him, ofhis childhood and how he acted
(07:13):
or was.
Sophia (07:14):
Well, a head injury never helps.
D (07:16):
That's true.
When they met him on the street,parents steered their children,
especially their daughters, awayfrom McElroy.
It was a matter of selfpreservation.
Retaliation would be severe.
Calling the sheriff about histhreats was a risk few were
willing to take.
Not that he would have done muchgood.
(07:39):
Now McElroy fathered 10 to 15children.
I don't know exactly how manybecause I see that they say more
than 10, but the most I've seenis 15.
So it was somewhere between 10to 15 with different women.
He met his last wife, TrenaMcCloud when she was 12 years
old and in eighth grade and hewas 35.
(08:04):
He raped McCloud repeatedly.
McCloud's parents initiallyopposed the relationship, but
after McElroy burned their houseand shot the family dog, they
begrudgingly agreed to themarriage.
Elena (08:18):
What?
Oh, that's ridiculous.
D (08:22):
Yes, first of all, he was raping her.
I don't know how they consideredit a relationship.
All I can think of was this girlwho was 12, just probably just
thought it was normal or.
Sophia (08:35):
Maybe she had feelings for him.
D (08:36):
Maybe eventually.
I don't think at first.
Sophia (08:38):
Okay.
She can't consent anyways, butin When he came after her that
she was excited about, was sheimmediately like, no, I don't
want anything to do with thisman?
D (08:49):
I don't think she wanted anything to do with him because
they say she was raped.
I know that she was underage,but I think she was officially
raped.
Sophia (08:57):
I don't understand why the police department just
doesn't take this man.
D (09:01):
I'll get a little bit more into it.
He sidestepped it.
So her parents finally agreed toit.
They've lost everything at thispoint.
she became pregnant when she was14, dropped out of school in the
ninth grade, and went to livewith McElroy and his second
wife, Alice.
Elena (09:19):
Wait, so she's That's right.
14 years old is now living with,pregnant, living with his second
wife.
D (09:28):
Correct.
That's right.
He's still married to his secondwife.
Elena (09:30):
Wow.
And the second wife iscompletely aware of who she is
or.
D (09:36):
Correct.
I think there's a lot of abusein this household Mm hmm.
That's causes fear and Doesn'tgive them the power or ability
to speak up or get away.
Sophia (09:47):
This poor girl must have been so traumatized and
depressed with this entiresituation.
Elena (09:53):
Yeah, I know and then had to have to go and live with him
afterwards.
Sophia (09:56):
It just depressing.
It's devastating It's horrific.
D (09:59):
Yes, and I do not know if Trena's life at home was good or
bad, because she did go withhim, and she did stay with him
for a while.
Sophia (10:08):
I don't think she could willingly do that at her age,
and given what he did to herfamily's home.
D (10:13):
There's something there.
I don't know.
Eventually McElroy divorcedAlice and married Trena in order
to escape charges of statutoryrape, to which she was the only
witness.
Sixteen days after Trena gavebirth, she and Alice fled to
Trena's parents house.
(10:33):
According to the court records,McElroy tracked them down and
brought them back.
When Trena's parents went away,McElroy went to their home once
again and he burned the housedown again.
What?
And shot the McCloud's new dog.
Elena (10:51):
Oh my god.
Sophia (10:52):
No.
D (10:53):
Yes, this individual is just, as far as I'm concerned, he's
really off the deep end.
Sophia (10:59):
He's controlling, he thinks he deserves everything he
wants.
D (11:01):
Yes.
I do not understand why thecourt systems and the police did
not get involved though becauseI mean it's obviously there's a
court record on this which meanshe never went to jail for most
of this.
Sophia (11:14):
They're treating him like a king and I want to know
why.
Elena (11:17):
Yeah this is getting ridiculous.
Sophia (11:18):
Unacceptable.
D (11:20):
Now based on Trena's story McElroy was indicted in June of
1973 for arson, assault, andstatutory rape.
He was arrested, booked,arranged and released on$2,500
bail.
Trena and her baby were placedin foster care at a home in
Maryville, Missouri.
(11:41):
McElroy sat outside the fosterhome for hours at a time staring
at it.
He told the foster family thathe would trade a girl for a
girl, to get his child back.
Since he knew where the fosterfamily's biological daughter
went to school and what busroute she rode, additional
(12:02):
charges were filed againstMcElroy.
Elena (12:05):
So, he basically threatened
D (12:07):
the foster family's
Elena (12:09):
actual daughter.
For his daughter,
D (12:11):
the family, he threatened the family for his wife and family
because she was under age.
She was put in a foster home.
Elena (12:19):
Exactly.
D (12:20):
He wanted them back, but this was a law that was there and it
wasn't like they took away hiswife and daughter on their own.
But yes, that's how hethreatened them.
On July 27, 1976, Skidmorefarmer Romaine Henry said that
McElroy shot him twice with ashotgun after Henry challenged
(12:41):
him for shooting weapons onHenry's property.
McElroy was charged with assaultwith intent to kill.
McElroy denied he was at thescene as the case dragged down
without a court date.
Henry said McElroy had parkedoutside his home at least 100
times.
At the trial, two raccoonhunters testified they were with
(13:05):
McElroy the day of the shootingaway from Henry's property.
Henry was forced to admit underquestioning by McElroy's
attorney Richard McFadden thathe had concealed his own petty
criminal conviction from morethan 30 years previous.
McElroy was acquitted.
(13:27):
I really don't know why itmatters if the man had
conviction 30 years ago.
Just because he had aconviction, I don't think he was
lying about McElroy.
On April 25, 1980, Evelyn Sumy,who worked in Ernest Bo
Bowenkamp's general store, as astore clerk, would ask McElroy's
eight year old daughter Tanya toreturn a piece of candy that she
(13:51):
didn't pay for.
Ernest Bowenkamp was 70 yearsold and with his wife Louise
they owned the store.
Then Ken and his wife came intothe store.
Ken stood silently at the backof the store while his wife tore
into Sumy in an argument lacedwith four letter bombs.
(14:11):
tried to explain what hadhappened, that nobody had
accused the children of stealingand Trena said, Why would my
daughter lie?
The McElroys eventually left thestore, but when Bowenkamp closed
up that night, Ken was outsidewaiting.
Refusing to argue, he and Loiswent home.
(14:31):
He showed up in the front oftheir house that night, and he
and Trena sat there and watchedthem.
Sophia (14:38):
Wow, Trena is now becoming.
D (14:40):
Correct.
Part of the problem.
Sophia (14:42):
Yeah, that's in a way.
That's so sad.
D (14:44):
Or becoming part of his style of living.
Sophia (14:46):
That's just sad.
D (14:47):
It became a pattern.
Once Ken even got out and fireda shotgun up in the pine tree by
their house.
Evelyn lived across the streetand he made sure she could see
them.
He'd leave, then he'd come back.
Now, McElroy began stalking theBowenkamp family and eventually
(15:08):
threatened Bo in the back of hisstore with a shotgun in the
hand.
On July 8th, now remember thesedates, okay?
On July 8th of 1980, McElroydrove to the alley behind the
general store.
Once there, he threatened BoBowenkamp, who is sitting in the
back of the loading dock of hisstore, waiting for an air
(15:30):
conditioner repairman.
Ken shot the 70 year old grocerin the neck at close range with
a shotgun.
A deer slug in one chamber torethrough Bowenkamp's neck, coming
within three inches of his head.
Miraculously, Bo Bowenkampsurvived the shot.
Sophia (15:52):
Yeah, that's incredible.
From a shotgun in the neck.
Yeah, that's hard.
D (15:55):
Close range too.
And it's for a deer, okay?
Elena (15:58):
Oh, it was a buckshot?
D (15:59):
Yeah, deer slug.
Missouri State Highway PatrolTrooper Richard Stratton, the
only lawman in the NorthwestMissouri, ever known to stand up
to McElroy, hunted McElroy down,and arrested him on attempted
murder charge.
He spent the night in jailbefore posting bond, then
(16:19):
strolled menacingly back to theD& G Tavern and pool hall and
took his usual spot.
Elena (16:27):
What's interesting is that I know I didn't turn out
exactly how the officer wantedbut there was one officer who
was able to stand up to all ofthis and tried to arrest him and
Finally stand up to him.
D (16:38):
Right what the only thing he do was arrest him right in the
jail and the guy came Out withinthe next day by posting bond so
again Nothing's reallyhappening.
Elena (16:47):
Yeah, it's just like even when they do try there's no
point to it because he has somuch power and he has so much
influence and everything He canjust walk free and then
everyone's just giving up.
D (16:56):
Correct.
The town wondered.
How is this man not in jail?
Asked by many when he showed upin Skidmore the morning after
his release.
His preliminary trial was setfor August 18th, 1980 in his
usual fashion.
McElroy tried to intimidate theBowenkamp family and supporters
from testifying.
(17:17):
Bowenkamp's wife said, You can'tknow how intimidating it was
after that.
Before his trial, he'd drive upto our house in his pickup at
night and just sit there.
Sometimes he would fire his gun.
It was frightening.
In addition, the Bowenkamps andSumy went to bed scared, woke up
(17:42):
frightened, and lived in terrorwith every breath.
They slept in shifts with somefriend or family member keeping
an eye on the street.
Sophia (17:52):
He's just trying to intimidate them into not
testifying.
D (17:54):
Correct.
Correct.
There were so many nights Bocouldn't go out and mow the yard
or water the flowers becausethere was a truck parked down
the street and they werewatching the house.
McElroy would just sit andglower at them, then stare at
them, and they would never knowwhat he was thinking.
McElroy was known to pay localkids for information about who
(18:18):
was where in town at a time.
So the Bowenkamps had alsodeveloped their own network of
informants.
They delivered messages in code.
For example, One of the ownersof the D& G Tavern would send
her young children to thegrocery store for paper towels.
Keeping the children innocentlyunaware, they were telegraphing
(18:40):
an urgent message for theBowenkamps to call the police.
McElroy was in town and behavingbelligerently.
They may not see him for threeor four days, and then they'd
see him every day for weeks.
Everyone was keeping an eye onthe Bowenkemps and Sumy.
When they didn't know where hewas, they didn't dare take the
(19:02):
chance of not being on theirguard.
After McElroy fired a gunoutside her house, Emily Sumy
appealed to Dave Dunbar, thetown marshal.
Downbar talked to him, andMcElroy pulled a gun on him, and
he quit.
Sophia (19:20):
The town marshal quit?
D (19:21):
Yes.
Elena (19:23):
Oh, okay.
That's interesting.
D (19:25):
Yes, even people higher up were afraid of him.
Elena (19:28):
Yeah.
D (19:29):
She took her complaint to, at that time, was Nodaway County
Sheriff Roger Kronk.
He was unfazed.
The sheriff said to her, If youhave to shoot him, let us know
and we'll get him before hestarts stinking.
Sophia (19:45):
Stinking?
D (19:46):
If they kill him before he starts stinking.
But what I don't understand isthey expect the citizens to kill
him?
Sophia (19:52):
It's interesting because it seems like the sheriff will
not care that he's dead.
Which I'm not surprised aboutconsidering he's just such
trouble that no one's doinganything about.
But if that's the case, whydon't they take some form of
action to Either put him inperson for a while or it's so
interesting to me that thesheriff even said that.
D (20:11):
Yeah, it is interesting.
Nevertheless, McElroy was ableto delay the trial almost five
months to June 25th, 1981.
Eventually, during this time,the acting prosecutor attorney
resigned, and a new prosecutor,David Baird, was assigned to the
case.
It was rumored that McElroybullied the previous prosecutor
(20:34):
to leave.
Baird was only three years outof law school, but accomplished
the impossible.
He was able to convict McElroyof a crime.
Granted, he was only convictedof a second degree assault.
The jury set a maximum sentenceof two years and the judge freed
him on a$40,000 bail bondpending the appeal.
Sophia (20:58):
That's such special treatment.
Elena (21:00):
Two years to this crazy.
D (21:05):
Now this is because Baird lessen the charge from attempt
to kill to knowingly causeserious physical injury after
McElroy was released on bond.
He engaged in an ongoingharassment campaign against
Bowenkamp and others who weresympathetic to the Bowenkamp,
including the town's Christ ofChurch minister.
(21:27):
On July 9th, 1981, he appearedat the local bar, the D& G
Tavern.
armed with an Garanda rifle anda bayonet attached and made
graphic threats about what hewould do to Bo Bowenkamp and
threatened to kill him.
This led to several patronsdeciding to see what they could
(21:49):
do legally to prevent McElroyfrom harming anyone else.
On July 10th, which is now thenext day, okay, of 1981, there
was a local meeting at thetown's Legion Hall, just down
the street from the D& G Tavern.
As many as 60 residentsattended, including the mayor
(22:11):
and the Nodaway County SheriffDan Estes.
During the meeting, the wholetopic of discussion was what
they could do legally to preventMcElroy from harming anyone
else.
County Sheriff Dan Estessuggested a neighborhood watch,
but the mindset was Saidperfectly by an attendee, we
(22:32):
simply felt the system hadfailed us.
We all knew that McElroy waslike, and there he was again and
again.
It seemed like no one could stophim.
Sophia (22:43):
I feel like this is a long time coming, and I also
feel like I may know the end ofthe story.
I'm not sure.
Well.
Elena (22:49):
Like you've heard of it?
Sophia (22:51):
Maybe, or potentially not.
I'll see where it ends.
D (22:54):
Don't forget now, you have 60 people, they're all there to
figure out what to do withMcElroy, okay?
So, tensions are high.
And the only thing the sherifftells them is create a
neighborhood watch.
If you have 60 people, they'reall there to deal with a
problem.
And the only thing that thesheriff says that I think you
would think the tensions werepretty high and they feel
frustrated.
Okay.
(23:15):
During their meeting, McElroyarrived at the D G tavern with
his wife, Trena.
Elena (23:22):
Wow.
Sophia (23:23):
That's funny.
D (23:23):
As he sat, drinking at the bar, word got back to the men at
the Legion Hall that he was intown.
Sheriff Estes instructed theassembly group not to go into
direct confrontation withMcElroy, but instead to
seriously consider forming aneighborhood watch program.
Estes then drove out of town inhis police cruiser.
(23:46):
The citizens at the meetingdecided to go to the tavern and
en masse.
The bar soon filled completely.
After McElroy finished hisdrinks, because he was not fazed
that there were so many peoplein there for him, and they were
just sitting there waiting andwatching him.
Sophia (24:03):
Yeah, that would have been odd for him.
D (24:04):
He didn't care.
He wasn't fazed.
He purchased a six pack of beer,left the bar and entered his
pickup truck.
Upon returning to the truckwhere Trena was sitting in the
passenger seat, McElroy lit acigarette.
So he definitely was not afraidof all these people around his
truck.
Because as he left the bar, allthe people left the bar and went
(24:28):
around his truck.
Okay.
He even lit his cigarette.
He was telling them, Hey, I'mnot afraid of any of you.
Trena then reported glancingover her shoulder.
And saw someone point a rifletowards the back of the truck
and take aim at McElroy.
And then shots were fired.
A couple of men hustled Trena toa nearby bank away from the
(24:50):
gunfire.
McElroy was shot at severaltimes, but hit only twice.
Once by a centerfire rifle, andonce by a.22 rimfire rifle.
In all, there were at least 46,probably more, but at least 46
potential witnesses to theshooting, including Trena
McElroy.
(25:12):
When the shooting ended, McElroywas slumped over the steering
wheel.
And everyone just went home.
Nobody called for an ambulance.
When Estes and the statetroopers arrived back in town,
the streets were empty andquiet.
Except for the rumbling, smokingengine of McElroy's truck.
(25:33):
His foot had fallen on theaccelerator when he was shot,
causing the engine to run a fullbore.
No one bothered to turn it off.
Sophia (25:43):
Can I ask you, where is Trena in all of this?
D (25:47):
The only thing I know is she was taken away at the shooting
and I don't even think she wentback because no one called for
an ambulance.
Sophia (25:59):
I wonder if she decided to give up or if the community
members did something to preventher from doing it.
D (26:06):
I don't know if the community members prevented her from going
back or she decided it was tootoxic for her to go back and
dangerous because it was a moband she just decided not to get
involved.
Elena (26:18):
Some people do make that decision and that's very
possible.
D (26:22):
I don't know because I was wondering.
I don't know what she said, I'llget into it, but she was in
court, but it was kept quiet,the records were private, they
are not out there.
It had been said that theattitude of some townspeople
were he needed killing.
To this day, the person who shotKen McElroy remains unknown.
(26:43):
Yet in a conspiracy of silencethat has spanned in the past 43
years, the Townsfolk have keptthe secret close.
it's really interesting when acouple of people create a crime,
it's hard to keep all of themquiet.
A whole town has kept quiet onthis.
Sophia (26:58):
It's, the community has bonded together.
D (27:01):
They have, yes.
Elena (27:02):
It's kind of crazy to think about it.
Sophia (27:04):
Yeah, I have heard of this, but not to the detail that
you did, I think, and so this isreally interesting to hear the
whole story in detail.
Wow, I don't know if a communityhas ever bonded.
to the level that this communitydid.
Elena (27:19):
At least not like as, maybe it's a traumatic one.
I don't, I'm not honestly sure.
Sophia (27:23):
But the think about like we have to protect each other,
like we have to protect thetribe because I think all of
their lives were at risk or atstake because he was dangerous.
Elena (27:34):
I completely agree, but it's like a conspiracy theory.
A whole town conspiracy theory.
Which is crazy, because younever assume certain conspiracy
theories can, one, run thisdeep, and two, be proven.
But it is, when you think aboutit.
D (27:48):
Yes, you need to remember that what created this whole
thing is fear fear of theirlives So I think that's why this
is how they thought the townsaid the following,"we stood up
and did the right thing We wentto the police.
We went to the courts.
We went everywhere we could butjustice would just stay
delicately out of the way Thejustice system had as much to do
(28:13):
with the killing of Ken McElroyas anyone in Skidmore did."
Sophia (28:17):
They're right to say that because I don't know of any
other story or situation wherean individual like that, who is
not even politically connectedto my knowledge, or isn't even
such a high level figure, heseems like just an everyday kind
of person.
I've never heard, A story likethis where the justice system
(28:39):
has completely failed to doanything, which is, I think, why
we've never seen, to myknowledge, another situation
like what the town did and howthey banded together to solve
this.
D (28:50):
Well, they did solve their problem.
Elena (28:52):
Yeah.
You know.
They definitely did.
Interesting way.
D (29:06):
Every other witness was either unable to name an
assailant.
Sophia (29:11):
I love that.
D (29:12):
Or claimed not to have seen who fired the fatal shots.
Elena (29:15):
I wonder why.
D (29:17):
McElroy's widow said she told a county grand jury who murdered
her husband.
Still, the panel didn't returnan indictment, giving rise to
conspiracy theories about a lawenforcement cover up.
The DA declined to presscharges..
The FBI entered the case,investigators dug and dug, but
(29:40):
Skidmore residents maintainedtheir silence.
A federal jury was convened.
Again, there were no indictmentsand McElroy murder case was
tossed back to the DA.
The guns were never recovered.
Many wondered why didn't the DApress charges against the man,
Trena McElroy fingered as herhusband's killer.
(30:03):
The former prosecutor said,"wedidn't have sufficient evidence
to go to trial. (30:09):
They can't go to trial with one witness when
there was at least 40 somewitnesses there.
Sophia (30:15):
Right.
Yeah.
That's definitely a big loopholethat an attorney is going to
point out.
D (30:22):
Correct.
There were witnesses.
It really is that it was neverspoken of.
They had an instinctive reactionto close up.
A lot of them didn't even telltheir wives and children.
They just went stone silent.
Sophia (30:38):
They were definitely protecting everyone.
D (30:40):
They were protecting themselves and the town.
And their families.
Sophia (30:44):
You don't even see communities bond like that.
And maybe they had a reason to,but that's definitely very
unique.
D (30:51):
It was.
Yeah.
Skidmore Townsfolk may not haveat all liked how he was killed.
It was murder after all.
But when he died, most of thetown's 435 residents left out a
heavy sigh of relief.
They could finally sleeppeacefully at night, especially
(31:14):
Bo and Lois Bowenkamp and theirchildren.
And Sumy actually also.
On July 9th, 1984, Trena McElroyfiled a$5 million wrongful death
lawsuit against the town ofSkidmore, County of Nodaway,
Sheriff Danny Estes, StevePeters, Mayor of Skidmore, and
(31:36):
Del Clement, whom Trena accusedof being the shooter, but who
was never charged.
The case was later settled outof court by the parties for
$17,600.
With no one admitting guilt forthe stated reason of avoiding
costly legal fees, could thesuit proceed.
(31:57):
Trena remarried and moved toLebanon, Missouri, where she
died of cancer on her 55thbirthday on January 24, 2012.
Elena (32:06):
Oh, that's 2012, so how many years was that from all
this?
D (32:11):
From, when she died?
Elena (32:12):
Yeah.
D (32:13):
She died, 12 years ago.
Sophia (32:14):
No, from when the murder happened.
Yeah.
D (32:17):
The murder, when he died in the murder?
Sophia (32:20):
Yeah.
What year was he murdered?
D (32:22):
He was murdered 1981, I thought.
Elena (32:25):
Okay, so she spent a lot of, it was a lot, so she died a
while after.
Okay.
Sophia (32:29):
I wonder why they didn't hide.
Trena, who the murderer was.
D (32:35):
I think it was a reaction.
I don't think, from what I wasreading, the people did not get
together that day to discuss howto kill him.
Sophia (32:44):
Okay.
D (32:44):
So what happened was, in that meeting, I think emotions were
high, they were frustrated, noone had a solution that would
work.
When they heard he was there,they all went out, and I think
whoever decided to do it justdid it, and the rest of the town
said, You know what?
I don't think they got togetherand said, okay, you're going to
(33:07):
shoot him and we're not going toknow.
I think it was people werefrustrated.
And if that gentleman was theone who shot him, if he did it,
I think someone else would have.
I just think that's how high theemotions were that day.
Elena (33:23):
Someone was going to do it one way or another.
D (33:25):
And don't forget they're farmers.
They have their guns with them.
And they have been able to keeptheir patience and do everything
correctly.
And then this happened to them.
Sophia (33:35):
Well, and I think also being farmers, and it's 1981,
I'm sure there is an attitudeof, okay, we have trusted law
enforcement for too long, and ithas failed us.
And something's got to give forthem, probably.
D (33:47):
Correct.
And.
I think the legal team did tryto find out who it was, but once
they realized that everybody wasshutting up,, I think they just
said, forget this, we're notgoing to go.
Now the FBI came and from what Iread, they were pushing people
to, admit to it and, say who didit and confess, confess.
No one did.
They said FBI pushed people somuch and no one confessed.
Elena (34:11):
That's crazy.
Sophia (34:11):
That's.
Elena (34:12):
Statistically, I just feel like it would just be very
possible that someone wouldeventually confess, but that's
just crazy that the whole towndid it.
Sophia (34:21):
It's hard to think that that's even possible for
somebody not to break.
Elena (34:24):
Because I just figured someone would have said
something.
Sophia (34:27):
I'm also, outraged and disappointed that law
enforcement put so much effortto finding his killer when he
committed so many crimes andthey did nothing.
Like if they had put that sameeffort to stopping his behavior
and his crimes.
Elena (34:41):
I think that they still have to regardless of Who the
person was, it is their job.
Sophia (34:45):
But that's true, why didn't they, why didn't they do
that for every time McElroycommitted a crime?
Elena (34:49):
I don't think that at least for the FBI they weren't
called in yet.
Sophia (34:51):
Not the FBI, but the other justices.
Elena (34:53):
No, but I'm just saying, as to why they were
investigating, it was their job.
Sophia (34:57):
but it just seems like they were really trying to
figure out who murdered him, andit's like, Why weren't you there
when you needed to solve all thecrimes?
Elena (35:04):
Well, the police I know were part of the corruption.
D (35:06):
The police were not part of what corruption?
Elena (35:09):
The police were turning a blind eye too.
D (35:11):
Correct.
But I also think they may havebeen fearful with him too.
I think that is why probablythey didn't care as much.
I think the FBI did come in tosolve the problem.
They were pressured so much.
People were saying the FBIreally pressured them.
What is the FBI going to do?
They're all adult men probably,they've seen a lot, they feel
(35:32):
threatened.
And I think they just said wherewere you when we needed you?
I think inside them.
I don't think they said it tothem and that's what kept them
all stay.
I don't even think they hadthis, situation where everybody
said, okay, don't say anything.
I think they all knew not to saya word.
Sophia (35:50):
It was understood.
D (35:51):
Yeah.
It was so well understood.
Sophia (35:53):
I wonder if, because the crimes McElroy was committing
was not Something like murderthat could put him away for a
while that people didn't want toGet involved because they knew
he would only put in so muchtime and then he'd be back out
and he could start Harassingthem and potentially hurting
them.
D (36:10):
I think that everybody did not want to deal with him
Bowenkamp almost died.
I mean if you think about it,and what did he get?
He was gonna get two years injail for it
Elena (36:22):
Yeah.
Sophia (36:23):
What to think about that Trena submitted that lawsuit and
to remember that once Trena wasthat 14 year old girl who was
D (36:33):
12 actually when she was started.
Sophia (36:35):
Yeah, she was raped.
And in some ways kidnapped tobeing his wild bride.
Right?
I mean, it's really sad to seeher.
I,
D (36:47):
Personally, I've been thinking about it, Trena, and I
think that she was so abused,she didn't really understand how
to get away or what to do.
Yeah.
She did stand up and say, okay,I think he's the one who killed
my husband.
I think the money was to helpher because I don't think she
had much after he died.
And I've thought of this and Ithink this might have been good
(37:10):
for his daughter since he wasknown to go after young girls.
And you don't know if that wasalso, Something that he would do
with his own daughter.
You have no idea.
Elena (37:22):
He was a terrible person.
I wouldn't be surprised.
I wouldn't put it past him.
Yeah.
D (37:26):
And the other thing is, Trena, if you really think about
it, how long would he keep her?
Because he seems to like themyoung.
And, let's see, he had hisdaughter when he was 14, and she
was 8.
She's only 22.
If you think about it.
She's really young.
Trena is probably just maturingat this point.
(37:48):
I know women mature a littlefaster, but still, if you think
about it, she's gone throughabuse and trauma.
Sophia (37:54):
Yeah.
Definitely a unique story that Idon't think we're going to see
something like this probablyever again.
D (37:59):
I don't know.
Nowadays with people carryingguns all the time in some states
I wonder.
Sophia (38:06):
I think it could be hard though with social media and
everybody has their phones out.
Elena (38:11):
Nowadays everything, the second someone thinks
something's going on they allwhip out their phones.
Sophia (38:17):
And I think communities are not as connected as they
were back then.
Elena (38:21):
Yeah.
Definitely not.
Unless you're going to like arural farming community, maybe.
Sophia (38:26):
That's probably the best chance of finding something
similar.
Elena (38:29):
Which is what they had in this case.
D (38:31):
Well, I also think that his brain injury may have made
things worse.
Sophia (38:36):
100%.
I mean, I don't know.
He may have been a bad personbefore, but this definitely
would have Accelerated his brainissues and his aggression.
D (38:45):
Right.
I mean he had a lot of issueshere.
Anyone who's spent so much timesitting outside a neighbor's
house.
Why don't you just stay withyour kids?
Why waste your time?
Elena (38:56):
But that was still after the head injury, right?
D (38:58):
That yes, because his head injury started when he was 18.
Yes.
All, a lot of this startedafterward.
Okay.
Sophia (39:05):
He definitely had some sort of control issues.
Something was going on.
D (39:09):
Yes, he did.
I want to thank you all forlistening to us this week.
We love our listeners andbecause of you, we do this
podcast.
Your help and engagement reallyhelps the podcast grow.
If you enjoyed this episode,please text a friend and family
member to listen to our podcast.
(39:30):
Until next time, make sure youstay on the Eerie Side.
Bye.
Bye.
Thank you.
Be safe.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!