Trena McElroy is a name often associated with one of the most notorious criminal stories in American history – the saga of her husband, Ken Rex McElroy. Trena’s life was complex, shadowed by the violent and turbulent world of McElroy, the ruthless man who terrorized the town of Skidmore, Missouri. While much of the attention has mostly centered on Ken McElroy, Trena’s story is one of a woman trapped in a dangerous situation, shaped by the circumstances that surrounded her.
Early Life and Relationship with Ken McElroy
Born in the mid-1950s, Trena was raised in a Missouri rural community. Her upbringing was quiet until she met Ken McElroy. Trena met McElroy at the age of 12 and moved in with him by the age of 14. McElroy, much older than Trena, was already known as a bully and a criminal who stole, harassed, and did other terrible things.
In 1973, Trena became pregnant with McElroy’s child at the age of 15. Around the same time, McElroy was still married to his third wife, Alice Wood. Trena had a rough life with McElroy; she lived under the same roof with Alice and the two women endured McElroy’s manipulative and abusive behavior.
Life with a Notorious Criminal
Ken Rex McElroy was known for his reign of terror in Skidmore. His charges included arson, assault, and theft, but he evaded conviction on more than 20 counts. Witnesses often feared retribution when testifying against him. Such was the environment Trena McElroy lived in – one filled with intimidation, fear, and violence.
Trena herself was not spared in McElroy’s fury. She was beaten and battered by him physically and emotionally but stayed with him for years, a testimony to their complicated relationship. Some think Trena stayed with McElroy because of fear and manipulation, which were common tactics in abusive relationships. With McElroy grooming her from a young age, Trena had few options.
The Murder of Ken McElroy
On 10 July, 1981, Ken McElroy was shot and killed in broad daylight in Skidmore. He had just been convicted of attempted murder in the killing of town grocer, Bo Bowenkamp, but had gone out on bail anyway. McElroy was shot sitting in his truck with Trena beside him that day. There were several witnesses to the shooting, but no one identified the killer and the case remains unsolved till today.
Trena who sat next to McElroy when he was shot said she saw the shooter. But her account did little to right her husband’s death. Several people in the town believed McElroy’s death was collective justice – the community was ridding itself of the man who had tormented them for years.
Aftermath and Life beyond McElroy
Trena McElroy’s life changed drastically after the death of Ken McElroy. She sued the town of Skidmore for $6 million in wrongful death damages. But the lawsuit ended up getting settled out of court for much less. In the years that followed, Trena avoided Skidmore and the painful memories associated with it.
