Ep 1. The Killing of Ken Rex McElroy

In the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, the residents have been held hostage for over 20 years by the notorious bully, Ken Rex McElroy. Despite his long history of terrorizing and threatening those around him, no one has ever been able to bring him to justice. In the opening episode of No One Saw a Thing, titled "The Killing of Ken Rex McElroy," we are introduced to the town and the many individuals who lived in fear of McElroy.

The episode starts with a re-telling of the events leading up to McElroy's murder. In July of 1981, McElroy was shot and killed on the main street of Skidmore. Despite several witnesses, no one has ever come forward to claim responsibility for the murder. The narrator sets the scene by describing the town and its inhabitants, all of whom are afraid to speak out against McElroy's bullying tactics.

As the episode progresses, we get to know several key figures of the story, including McElroy himself, who we learn has a long rap sheet including charges for assault, rape, and robbery. We also meet his wife, Trena, and their several children, as well as the town's sheriff, Dan Estes, who had been attempting to bring McElroy to justice for years.

The episode paints a picture of a town held hostage by one man, as McElroy uses his power and wealth to intimidate and control those around him. We hear from several residents of Skidmore who recount their own experiences with McElroy, including being held at gunpoint, having their animals shot, and even facing threats of physical violence.

Despite increasingly desperate attempts to bring McElroy to justice, including multiple arrests and trial dates, he always managed to avoid spending any substantial time behind bars. This was in large part due to his relationships with a number of influential locals, who some believe helped keep him out of jail.

As the episode progresses, tension builds as more details about the day of McElroy's murder are revealed. Witnesses tell their stories of the shooting, which occurred in broad daylight in front of dozens of people. But as the narrator points out, in this town where everyone is too afraid to speak out, no one saw a thing.

In the final moments of the episode, we are left wondering who could have possibly taken the life of Ken Rex McElroy. Was it one brave vigilante seeking justice for the town? Or was it a calculated assassination carried out by someone with connections to McElroy's many enemies?

No One Saw a Thing season 1 episode 1 provides a gripping introduction to this true crime story. Through interviews with those who lived through the experience and archival footage, viewers are transported back in time to the small town of Skidmore and the reign of terror that was Ken Rex McElroy. With compelling storytelling and fascinating characters, this episode sets the stage for a thrilling and mysterious investigation into a controversial and hotly debated crime.