[raspie]

> For more than two decades, McElroy was suspected of being involved in theft of grain, gasoline, alcohol, antiques, and livestock, but he avoided conviction when charges were brought against him 21 times—often after witnesses refused to testify because he allegedly intimidated them, frequently by following his targets or parking outside their homes and watching them.

> McElroy began stalking the Bowenkamp family, and eventually threatened Bo Bowenkamp in the back of his store with a shotgun in hand. In the ensuing confrontation, McElroy shot Bowenkamp in the neck; Bowenkamp survived, and McElroy was arrested and charged with attempted murder. McElroy was convicted at trial of assault, but freed on bail pending his appeal. Immediately after being released at a post-trial hearing, McElroy went to the D&G Tavern, a local bar, with an M1 Garand rifle with a bayonet attached, and made graphic threats about what he would do to Mr. Bowenkamp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_McElroy

Does an innocent person look like this? You tell me.

[scarejunba]

Oh, I don’t think he’s innocent, but all information about this is post facto. All those sources exist after he was killed.

I’m less conspiracy theory about this, and more just remarking (pointlessly, I suppose) how information deteriorates over time. Some may even be true, but used as a tool to build the rest around.

[raquo]

He was convicted of attempted murder while he was very well alive. He was also charged for many other crimes for two decades, the charges just never stuck because he intimidated the witnesses. Plenty of information about his deeds was recorded prior to his killing.

[scarejunba]

Whoops, I goofed. This stuff is pretty well documented actually. I look like a conspiracy theorist now.

[mixmastamyk]

His criminal record should clear up doubt.

[kazinator]

But the town police colluded with the vigilantes!

How can it be certain that the record isn't a post hoc fabrication. Or if not entirely, then at least embellished.

[mixmastamyk]

Looking the other way is quite different than planting evidence.

Nor feasible in this case. Even a town sheriff wouldn't be able to modify offline (1981) databases of multiple jurisdictions. Or have the endurance to manufacture plausible entries and histories for dozens and dozens of cases over decades.

A few hours research could likely pierce any misinformation.