Sheriff LaRew was killed by a booby-trap when investigating a residential burglary.

On Jul 26, 1987 at about 3:00 am, Sheriff LaRew was called to a mobile home near Caplinger Mills about 8 miles south of Stockton to investigate a report of a burglary. When he turned the door knob of the mobile home it activated a .30 caliber rifle whose trigger was connected to the door knob by a string. When the rifle discharged a single shot pierced the homes paneling, insulation, and sheeting entering Sheriff's LaRew's head killing him instantly. The residents of the mobile home thought they had rigged the rifle so it would miss anyone at the door and wanted a third party to be blamed by the sheriff for setting the trap. Because LaRew positioned himself following proper police procedures he was struck by the round. Shelby Debler, 32, and his brother, Brent Debler, were charged with first degree murder. Brent Debler was sentenced to life in prison. Shelby Debler was sentenced death and appealed his conviction. His conviction was affirmed by the Missouri Supreme Court but his sentence was vacated and sent back for resentencing for trial errors in 1993. Shelby was then resentenced to life without parole. Brent Debler's parole was denied in November 2009.

Sheriff LaRew spent 13 1/2 years with the department beginning as a dispatcher, then as a deputy sheriff and was elected sheriff in 1984. He was survived by his wife, Ruby. Interred: Humansville Cemetery, Humansville, Missouri.