True Crime
The Most Hated Man In Town
The story of Ken McElroy
The story of a young boy
On 1 June 1934, Ken Rex McElroy became the 15th of 16 children for Tony and Mabel McElroy.
Born into a crowded family, Ken McElroy would soon make a name for himself in the worst way possible. Before taking his final form as an over six-feet tall, 270-pound powerhouse, Ken would start life as an illiterate bully who terrified both children and adults. He would steal lunch money from his classmates and shoplift from local stores with no repercussions.
By the age of 13, he was already a well-known figure among the local cops and had gained a reputation as the ‘town bully’ of Skidmore, Missouri. McElroy became notorious for his cruel treatment of anyone who dared to challenge him. He ruled with an iron fist, instilling fear and causing a pervasive sense of dread among the small populace.
A life of crime
Like many criminals before him, McElroy pretended to have a legitimate job to explain his ill-gotten gains. He claimed to be an antique dealer who also raised and sold championship coonhounds, but his rap sheet revealed otherwise.
Over the course of his life, McElroy would be accused of nearly two dozen felonies…
