In Broad Daylight, written by Harry N. MacLean, is a riveting account of the murder of Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious small-town bully, in broad daylight in Skidmore, Missouri. This true crime narrative delves deep into the details of how McElroy terrorized his town for years, and how the residents, driven to desperation, finally took matters into their own hands. The book, which earned MacLean an Edgar Award, is more than a simple recounting of McElroy’s brutal reign; it’s a story about the limits of justice, community morality, and the consequences of law enforcement failures.
The Story of Ken McElroy
Ken Rex McElroy, an illiterate hog farmer, was feared across Nodaway County. For over two decades, he committed numerous crimes, including theft, assault, arson, and even rape. His victims were many, and he seemed untouchable, largely due to his ability to manipulate the legal system, intimidate witnesses, and hire lawyers willing to exploit procedural loopholes. McElroy’s notorious behavior left his community feeling helpless, as local law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges failed to bring him to justice.
This culminated in 1980 when McElroy shot an elderly grocer, Ernest “Bo” Bowenkamp, in the neck over an accusation that one of McElroy’s children had stolen candy. Bowenkamp survived, and McElroy was convicted of the assault. However, instead of jailing him, the courts released McElroy on bond. This act fueled the town’s frustration and fear, as McElroy continued to roam freely, often with his gun in tow, threatening to kill Bowenkamp and others involved in his case.
A Town’s Breaking Point
In July 1981, the town of Skidmore reached its breaking point. After a meeting to discuss what should be done about McElroy’s threats, he audaciously drove into town with his wife, Trena. As McElroy sat in his truck, several armed men from the town approached him. Shots rang out, and McElroy was killed. His wife, sitting beside him, later testified that she recognized the gunmen, yet no one was ever charged. The town maintained a collective silence, with witnesses claiming they saw nothing.
A Gripping Examination of Vigilante Justice
What makes In Broad Daylight so compelling is how Harry MacLean masterfully dissects the ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding McElroy’s murder. MacLean, a lawyer himself, grapples with the central moral question: Can murder ever be justified, even when the victim is a remorseless criminal like McElroy? The townspeople of Skidmore, long abandoned by the law, felt they had no choice but to take justice into their own hands. MacLean’s nuanced exploration of this theme forces readers to confront their own beliefs about vigilante justice, law enforcement, and community responsibility.
MacLean’s Investigation
MacLean’s research for In Broad Daylight was meticulous. He spent years interviewing townspeople, many of whom were initially unwilling to speak to him. His persistence led him to gain the trust of locals, which allowed him to offer readers a rare, insider’s view of the events leading up to McElroy’s murder. The book’s rich detail is a result of this thorough investigation, but MacLean also faced personal challenges during his research, including death threats and the hostility of Skidmore’s residents, who were reluctant to relive their past.
The Aftermath
Though McElroy’s death brought some relief to Skidmore, the town was left to wrestle with the consequences of their actions. For decades, the question of who exactly pulled the trigger remained unresolved. MacLean’s updated edition of In Broad Daylight, published on the 25th anniversary of McElroy’s murder, offers new insights and an epilogue that comes as close to answering that question as anyone has ever come.
The book is not only an exploration of one man’s criminal legacy but also a study of how a community, when pushed to its limits, can unite to protect itself. It also reveals the psychological toll such an act of collective violence can have on those involved.
Reception of the Book
In Broad Daylight was widely acclaimed upon its release, becoming a bestseller and earning praise for its gripping narrative and detailed account of the events. It won the prestigious Edgar Award for Best True Crime and continues to be regarded as one of the most important works in the true crime genre.
Many critics, like those from The Washington Post, called it “gripping” and “disturbing,” a powerful testament to MacLean’s storytelling ability. His ability to present the moral ambiguity of the situation while painting a vivid picture of small-town life struck a chord with readers, leading to the book’s continued popularity decades after its initial publication. It was even adapted into a television movie in 1991, further cementing its place in American pop culture.
Conclusion
Harry N. MacLean’s In Broad Daylight is more than just a true crime story. It’s an exploration of justice, fear, and the power of a community driven to desperation. Ken Rex McElroy’s reign of terror and subsequent death are chilling reminders of what can happen when the law fails to protect its citizens. MacLean’s thorough research and compassionate storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of true crime, as well as anyone interested in the complexities of moral justice.
Read the Full Novel Here
In Broad Daylight by Harry N. MacLean | Goodreads
About the Author
Harry N. MacLean is an Edgar Award-winning author and lawyer based in Denver, Colorado. He has written multiple true crime books, but In Broad Daylight remains his most famous work. His legal background lends his writing a unique perspective, allowing him to explore the gray areas of justice and morality. MacLean has a long-standing career in law and literature, and his works continue to captivate readers with their blend of thorough research and compelling narratives.
