Ken McElroy, the man who terrorized Skidmore, Missouri, for decades. With a criminal record spanning 21 charges—including theft, assault, arson, statutory rape, and attempted murder—McElroy built a reputation as an untouchable menace. Despite his long list of crimes, he served little to no jail time, avoiding punishment through legal loopholes, high-powered attorneys, and relentless intimidation of witnesses.
McElroy’s reign of fear came to a head in 1980 when he shot 70-year-old grocer Bo Bowenkamp in the neck over a minor dispute. Though convicted of attempted murder, he was released on bail and continued to roam Skidmore with a loaded rifle, openly threatening those who had testified against him. The breaking point came on July 10, 1981. That morning, McElroy sat in his truck outside the D&G Tavern, unaware that a crowd of more than 30 residents had gathered. As he lit a cigarette, shots rang out from multiple firearms, killing him instantly. Despite the public nature of the killing, no one was ever charged.
The boys examine the many conspiracy theories surrounding McElroy’s death—was it a coordinated execution planned by the townspeople? Did local law enforcement turn a blind eye? Or was it an act of spontaneous rage that the town collectively agreed to stay silent about? With no witnesses ever coming forward, the case remains unsolved to this day.
Join Sean, Jorge, and Eric as they break down one of the most infamous acts of vigilante justice in American history.
Resources and Further Reading:
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