On this day, July 10, 1981, Ken McElroy, known as the “Town Bully” of Skidmore, Mo., was shot to death in broad daylight by at least two individuals in front of a crowd of more than 30 people. His slaying remains unsolved. McElroy terrorized the farm town of 450, but managed to beat 19 felony charges, including cattle rustling, pedophilia and rape, until he was finally convicted of shooting an elderly grocer.
His conviction was overturned, he was let out on bond and threatened the 70-year-old grocer with a semiautomatic military rifle and bayonet.
Townspeople formed a posse at an American Legion hall, and surrounded McElroy, 47, and his wife, 24, in their pickup truck.
Eight rifle shots were fired and two bullets killed him.
No one has been charged with McElroy’s death.
