Trena McElroy: Life with the Town Bully and the Aftermath of Vigilante Justice in Skidmore

Trena McElroy is most widely known in connection with her husband, Ken McElroy, a notorious figure whose life and death have been the subject of intense media scrutiny and public fascination. Ken McElroy, often referred to as "the town bully" of Skidmore, Missouri, was infamous for his criminal activities and terrorizing the small town. The story of Trena McElroy is intertwined with the dramatic and controversial events surrounding Ken McElroy's life and his eventual murder.

Background

Ken McElroy

Ken Rex McElroy was born on June 1, 1934, and became infamous in Skidmore for his long history of criminal behavior, including theft, assault, and intimidation. Despite numerous arrests and charges, McElroy often managed to evade conviction, largely due to his ability to intimidate witnesses into silence or reluctance to testify against him. His reign of terror left the community in a state of fear and frustration.

Trena McElroy

Trena McElroy (née Trena Louise Wilson) was much younger than Ken McElroy. She first met McElroy when she was still a minor, and their relationship began under controversial circumstances. At the age of 12, Trena became involved with McElroy, and by the time she was 14, she had given birth to his child. Trena's early life with McElroy was marked by significant turmoil and abuse.

Relationship and Abuse

Trena's relationship with McElroy was tumultuous and abusive. He was known to be controlling and violent, and Trena was often a victim of his aggression. Despite the abusive nature of their relationship, Trena married McElroy in 1974, after he divorced his previous wife, Alice Woods. This marriage was partly a strategic move by McElroy to avoid statutory rape charges, as spousal privilege laws at the time could prevent a wife from testifying against her husband.

The Murder of Ken McElroy

On July 10, 1981, Ken McElroy was shot and killed in broad daylight while sitting in his truck in the center of Skidmore. The killing occurred shortly after he had been released on bond, pending an appeal of his conviction for the shooting of a local grocer named Ernest "Bo" Bowenkamp. Despite the presence of dozens of witnesses, including Trena, no one was ever charged with McElroy's murder, and the case remains officially unsolved. The town's silence was widely interpreted as a collective decision to rid themselves of a man who had terrorized them for years.

Trena's Role and Aftermath

Trena McElroy was in the truck with Ken at the time of his murder and witnessed the shooting. She provided detailed accounts to law enforcement, naming individuals she believed were responsible. However, the community's reluctance to come forward with corroborating testimonies meant that no charges were filed.

In the years following Ken McElroy's death, Trena struggled with the legacy of being associated with one of the most reviled men in the town's history. She filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the town of Skidmore, the county, and specific individuals she claimed were responsible for Ken's death. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court for a reported sum of $17,600, which was significantly less than what she had sought.

Later Life and Legacy

After the death of Ken McElroy, Trena McElroy lived a relatively low-profile life. She remarried and moved away from Skidmore. The events of her life and the murder of her husband remained a point of interest for true crime enthusiasts, and the case has been the subject of books, documentaries, and media coverage.

Cultural Impact

The story of Ken and Trena McElroy, and the vigilante-style justice that led to his death, has left a lasting mark on American culture. The case has been explored in various forms of media, including the book "In Broad Daylight" by Harry N. MacLean, which provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to and following Ken McElroy's murder.

Conclusion

Trena McElroy's life was indelibly shaped by her association with Ken McElroy, a man whose reign of terror in Skidmore, Missouri, ended in a manner that continues to provoke discussion and analysis. Her experiences reflect the complexities and difficulties of life with an abusive and criminal partner, and her later years demonstrate a desire to move beyond a dark chapter marked by violence and fear. The story of Trena McElroy is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that one individual’s actions can have on the lives of many and the lengths to which a community might go to protect itself from a common threat.