Night Marshal James Albert Knox was shot and killed when he went to a local residence to warn a man that neighbors were complaining about the noise coming from a party he was having. As he entered the home the man knocked him down, grabbed his revolver, and shot him four times.

The suspect fled from the scene but soon returned and surrendered to the New Madrid County sheriff. He was charged with first degree murder.

Night Marshal Knox was survived by his wife and two daughters.