City Marshal Leonard Rich was shot and killed while trying to quell a disturbance. Marshal Rich and two officers, James and Moon, answered a disturbance call to a house of ill-repute known as the Reed House. Two drunken brothers, Joe and Jim Gideon, were causing problems. As Marshal Rich scuffled with one brother he was shot down. Officer James was then struck down with a loaded cane by the other brother. Officer Moon then shot at the brothers as they fled. Suspect Joe Gideon was found dead a few blocks away. Suspect Jim Gideon was also apprehended.

Marshal Rich was survived by his wife and daughter. Marshal Rich's brother was Jasper County Sheriff Ab Rich. Interred: Webb City Cemetery.