Night Marshal John Rose was shot and killed while he and Night Marshal George Scrivens, questioned a man at 5:00 am at a vehicle stop in connection with a gas station robbery. Marshal Rose and Officer Scrivens approached the car after it pulled into a filling station on North Elson Street to question the driver. The driver exited the vehicle, acted as though he was brushing dust off of his jacket, then drew two automatic pistols and fired at Marshal Rose. Marshal Rose was struck in the chest and the neck killing him instantly. Evidence from the Orpeum Theater robbery in Hannibal, Missouri the previous evening. the suspect also shot and wounded Marshal Scrivens before escaping into nearby woods.

In 1933 the suspect, Lawrence DeVol, was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Patrolman Ira Evans and Patrolman Leo Gorski, both of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, Police Department, on December 16, 1932.

In 1934 the suspect was believed to have gone insane and was transferred to a state hospital. Two years later he led an escape of 15 inmates and continued to rob banks. On July 8, 1936, he shot and killed Officer Cal Palmer, of the Enid, Oklahoma, Police Department, after getting drunk in a local bar.

Marshal Rose had been in law enforcement for 18 years. He served on the Kirksville Police Department previously then recently returned after working a tour as a special agent on the Wabash Railroad. He was survived by his wife, Cora, and six children. Interred: Maple Hills Cemetery, Kirksville, Missouri.