 In 1887, Rogers attempted to arrest his friend Tom O'Donnell for a misdemeanor offense, but the two ended up in a gun battle that left O'Donnell dead.Rogers, whose violence and history had already left some in the town unsure about his suitability as a lawman, was suspended while the city investigated the shootout.While on suspension, Rogers was stabbed to death by a man named Bill Young as he sat unarmed in a local saloon enjoying a beer while talking to Young.