On July 27,1976 McElroy shot local farmer Romaine Henry, Henry recovered from his injuries. McElroy escaped conviction of this crime due to conflicting witness testimony. Four years later as economic changes began to cause pressure in the community tensions between Ken McElroy and the town of Skidmore began to escalate. In 1980 an employee at the B&B grocery store confronted one of McElroy’s daughters regarding a piece of candy she had not paid for. This event lead to the attempted murder of store owner Bo Bowenkamp on July 8, 1980 and a year long feud between Ken and the Bowenkamps. McElroy’s lawyer used strategic measures to drag out the trial for as long as possible. When the case finally went to trial McElroy was found guilty. McElroy was able to return to Skidmore on bond while waiting the allowed twenty-five days to file a motion for a new trial. During this time he visited the local tavern with a weapon, threatening to kill Bo Bowenkamp. In response, a motion was filed to revoke McElroy’s bond. The townspeople, not knowing the bond hearing had been postponed gathered to discuss keeping an eye on Ken McElroy. Word reached the meeting that McElroy was at the bar down the street. The townspeople decided to go to the tavern and observe McElroy. As Ken and Trena left the bar, the townspeople gathered around their truck. An unknown number of shots were fired from behind the vehicle. Trena was unharmed and lead to safety. Ken McElroy was dead.