Ep 5. The Strange Killing of Ken Rex McElroy

In this gripping episode of BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime, co-hosts Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej delve into the dark and twisted case of Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious bully who terrorized the small town of Skidmore, Missouri. McElroy had a long history of violent and criminal behavior, including multiple charges of assault, rape, and arson, but his brazen acts of intimidation had left the town's residents feeling helpless and afraid.

On July 10, 1981, McElroy's reign of terror came to a violent and mysterious end when he was shot to death in broad daylight on the main street of Skidmore. Despite there being over 60 witnesses to the crime, no one saw anything, and no one came forward to claim responsibility for the killing. The investigation into McElroy's murder would become one of the most baffling cases in American history, involving a web of lies, conspiracy theories, and a town that refused to cooperate with law enforcement.

Ryan and Shane take viewers on a gripping journey through McElroy's life and criminal history, exploring the chilling depths of the man's sociopathic tendencies and the fear that he instilled in those around him. They examine the possible motives for McElroy's murder, from revenge for his many crimes to the belief that it was an orchestrated plan to finally rid the town of his presence.

The co-hosts also dig into the investigation that followed McElroy's death, revealing the many potential suspects that authorities considered, from a lone vigilante to a coordinated group of Skidmore residents. They examine the bizarre behavior of some of the key witnesses, including one who claimed to have seen McElroy's killer but then mysteriously disappeared for weeks afterward.

Through interviews with locals who lived through the time of the murder, as well as law enforcement officials who worked on the case, Ryan and Shane sift through the evidence and speculate on who may have been responsible for the killing. They explore the possibility of a conspiracy among Skidmore residents, who may have banded together to execute a plan to rid their town of McElroy for good.

With its chilling and mysterious subject matter, "The Strange Killing of Ken Rex McElroy" is a must-watch episode for true crime fans and anyone fascinated by the dark underbelly of small-town America. Through Ryan and Shane's expert storytelling and analysis, viewers will be left on the edge of their seats, wondering what really happened on that fateful day in Skidmore, Missouri.