The Strange Killing of Ken Rex McElroy

BuzzFeed Unsolved Network2 minutes read

Despite his criminal and violent history, Ken Rex McElroy's murder in 1981 remains unsolved, sparking debate on the morals of vigilante justice and the failure of the justice system. The identity of the shooter was never officially revealed, leaving the town of Skidmore in fear and uncertainty.

Insights

  • Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious criminal in Skidmore, Missouri, engaged in a pattern of violence, intimidation, and criminal behavior, evading justice through fear tactics and manipulation.
  • The unresolved murder of Ken Rex McElroy, a man with a history of terrorizing the community, highlights the complex interplay between justice, vigilantism, and the failure of the legal system to protect citizens from individuals like McElroy.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Ken Rex McElroy?

    A criminal with a history of violence and intimidation.

  • What led to Ken Rex McElroy's murder?

    A culmination of fear and frustration in the community.

  • How did Ken Rex McElroy's murder impact Skidmore?

    It left the town in a state of fear and uncertainty.

  • What was the outcome of Ken Rex McElroy's trial?

    He was convicted of second-degree assault with a two-year sentence.

  • How did Ken Rex McElroy's murder impact the justice system in Skidmore?

    It highlighted the community's loss of faith in the system.

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Summary

00:00

Debate over murder of criminal Ken McElroy

  • Ken Rex McElroy was murdered in Skidmore, Missouri in 1981, sparking a debate on the justification of his murder.
  • McElroy, a large and intimidating man, had a history of criminal activities and violence, often escaping conviction due to his lawyer's influence.
  • He was accused of various crimes, including robbery, assault, and rape, with a preference for young girls, some as young as 12 years old.
  • McElroy's relationships with women were marked by abuse and manipulation, with instances of burning down homes and shooting pets to control them.
  • Despite his heinous actions, some of his wives defended him, claiming he was honest and generous, showcasing the complexity of his character.
  • McElroy's intimidation tactics extended to witnesses and law enforcement, instilling fear in the community and hindering justice.
  • After a failed attempt to murder a store owner, McElroy faced trial for attempted murder, using intimidation to deter witnesses from testifying.
  • The trial was delayed multiple times, with McElroy resorting to extreme measures like firing guns outside witnesses' homes to intimidate them.
  • A new prosecutor, David Baird, was appointed for the trial, leading to speculation that McElroy's murder may have been orchestrated to prevent his intimidation tactics.
  • McElroy's murder in broad daylight, with numerous witnesses, remains unsolved, leaving the small town of Skidmore in a state of fear and uncertainty.

11:37

Town's Justice System Fails, Resulting in Murder

  • The previous prosecutor was bullied into leaving, leading to the appointment of David Baird, a relatively inexperienced lawyer.
  • Baird successfully convicted McElroy of second-degree assault, securing a two-year sentence.
  • McElroy, confident in his ability to evade jail time, expressed defiance even after his conviction.
  • McElroy was later seen making threats with a rifle at a local bar, resulting in his arrest for violating bail provisions.
  • A town meeting was held to address concerns about McElroy's behavior, with the suggestion of forming a neighborhood watch.
  • Residents felt failed by the justice system's inability to control McElroy's repeated criminal activities.
  • A group of about 60 individuals confronted McElroy at the bar, leading to his fatal shooting.
  • McElroy was shot dead in his truck, with witnesses remaining silent about the identity of the shooter.
  • Del Clement was identified as the suspect by Trena but denied involvement, with no charges pressed against him.
  • The town remained silent about the shooter's identity, leading to no arrests or charges in the murder investigation.

23:16

Unsolved vigilante killing gains national attention

  • Cattle and pig thefts occurred in the county, leading to a man being killed in a vigilante act.
  • The case gained national media attention from outlets like Rolling Stone and 60 Minutes.
  • The shooter's identity will likely never be officially revealed, leaving the case of Ken Rex McElroy unsolved.
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