Marshal McGee was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle wanted for a robbery and assault. Marshal McGee stopped a vehicle for traveling at a high rate of speed on Main Street. After a short pursuit he apprehended the car south of town. The three occupants of the vehicle had just beaten, robbed and raped members of a blind physician's family. As Marshal McGee was preparing a report in the car one of the suspects exited their vehicle, walked to the marshal's car and shot him at point blank range.

Two men were taken into custody by Missouri State Troopers a few hours later about 20 miles from where Marshal McGee was killed. Ralph W. Chaney, 44, of Calumet City, Illinois, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was also sentenced to five years in prison on the assault and robbery of a Lutesville doctor.

Marshal McGee had served with the Lutesville Police Department for 6 months and was also a Bollinger County Sheriff's deputy. He was survived by his wife and three children. Interred: McGee Chapel Cemetery.