Jailer Henry Bugler was shot and killed by Quantill's guerrillas while defending the jail.

Jailer Henry Bugler was shot and killed when six or seven well-armed men rode into town and attacked the jail. Reportedly two members of Quantril's guerrillas had been arrested and were in the jail; a group of horsemen rode into town and demanded a prisoner and horse thief named Perry be released. It is believed members of the Jesse James gang were among this group of horsemen. The bandits advised Jailer Hughes that he would not be harmed if he released his prisoner. The bandits stood only a few feet from Jailer Bugler when he raised his gun but he was struck by one of the volley of shots fired by the bandits before he could fire. Jailer Bugler was struck through the heart and a wild shot struck Jailer Bugler's 11 year-old son - who was in bed - in the wrist.

As a result of this murder and the outrage brought on within the city a company of 100 loyal men was formed to be kept as a posse to enforce the law.

Jailer Bugler, born in Ireland, was also elected Marshal of Independence about June 6, shortly before his death. He was survived by his wife who was also born in Ireland and seven children. Interred: St Mary's Cemetery, Independence, Missouri.