Vocabulary in Context
Witnesses in Skidmore were described as taciturn after McElroy’s death. What does that suggest about their behavior?
They refused to speak or share information.
According to both sources, what emotion best describes how the townspeople felt toward McElroy before his death?
Ire — deep anger and frustration.
What does it mean when a court case is outside a judge’s jurisdiction?
The judge has no legal authority to decide it.
Both the article and podcast show McElroy’s power over the town. What detail from either text shows this?
He stalked and threatened families without consequence.
What was unusual about the number of witnesses present during McElroy’s murder?
Dozens saw it happen, but no one admitted it.
Trooper Dan Boyer described seeing McElroy’s “macabre” death scene. What makes that word appropriate?
It describes the gruesome, death-related nature of the crime scene.
Why might McElroy’s intimidation tactics have worked for so long?
Because people were terrified and believed no one would protect them.
In “Bully,” what legal action did witnesses take to help put McElroy in jail before his murder?
They signed an affidavit to testify that he carried a gun while out on bond.
The “Bully” podcast lets listeners hear witnesses’ real voices. How does this affect our understanding of events?
It makes their fear and emotion more real and immediate.
Why do you think no one in Skidmore has ever come forward, even decades later?
They still protect each other or fear reopening old wounds.
After years of threats and intimidation, some townspeople saw McElroy’s death as retribution. What does that imply about their feelings?
They believed his murder was deserved payback for his cruelty.
In both texts, what did Trena McElroy’s actions reveal about her complex role in the story?
She was both a victim and defender of her husband.
Why did Trena’s testimony against McElroy get dropped?
Because he married her, making her legally unable to testify against her husband.
How does hearing Harry MacLean’s commentary in “Bully” differ from reading quotes in the article?
It adds tone and judgment, helping us sense moral tension.
In both texts, how does the town’s silence act as a form of taciturnity?
Their refusal to speak keeps the community’s secret intact.
In the “Bully” podcast, townspeople believed McElroy’s constant escapes from punishment gave him a sense of invincibility. What does that mean?
He thought he couldn’t be defeated or punished by law.
How did law enforcement’s failure to protect the community influence the townspeople’s choices?
It made them lose faith in the legal system and take justice into their own hands.
How does the story show the difference between justice and retribution?
Justice follows the law; retribution is personal revenge.
The article calls the scene of McElroy’s death “macabre.” What effect does the podcast use to achieve a similar mood?
Sound design and pauses build suspense and horror.
How did media portray the town after the shooting?
As “vigilantes” who took justice into their own hands.
Trena’s claim about who shot McElroy wasn’t believed because no one would corroborate it. What does that word mean?
To confirm or back up a statement with supporting evidence.
Why is Ken McElroy sometimes described as “charismatic” despite being feared?
He was manipulative and persuasive, using charm to control others.
Why is the murder considered a “vigilante” act?
Because citizens took the law into their own hands rather than relying on courts.
Why might both texts have chosen to avoid naming McElroy’s killer?
To emphasize community silence and moral ambiguity rather than solve the mystery.
Based on both accounts, what central question about justice does the story raise?
Whether taking the law into your own hands can ever be justified.