Detective Harry L. McGinnis

Detective Harry L. McGinnis

Joplin Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Thursday, April 13, 1933

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Harry L. McGinnis

Detective Harry McGinnis and Constable J. W. Harryman of the Shoal Creek Township Constable's Office were killed in a gun battle with the notorious outlaw gang led by Bonnie and Clyde.

Detective McGinnis, Constable Harryman, and several other area officers had gone to their hideout at 34th Street and Oak Ridge Drive to investigate what they thought were bootleggers. Instead, they had stumbled upon Bonnie and Clyde's gang. Both Detective McGinnis and Constable Harryman were shot and killed by the Barrow brothers.

Detective McGinnis was predeceased by his wife and is buried in Deepwood Cemetery, Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri.


The Bonnie and Clyde Gang was responsible for the murder of law enforcement officers in four states - Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas - between 1932 and 1934. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow started their criminal career by robbing banks and quickly became notorious murderers wanted for the murders of nine law enforcement officers.

The two criminals were finally shot and killed in Louisiana when they were ambushed by a task force of Texas and Louisiana officers.

Bio

  • Age 53
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Both shot and killed

alcohol violation

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Earlier, on January 26, 1933, Springfield Police Officer Tom Persell stopped Bonnie and Clyde in Springfield. They took his gun and kidnapped him. They released him in Joplin. Persell's ivory handled revolver is displayed by Clyde in the photos in a camera recovered after the Joplin shootout.

Retired Officer/Detective
Springfield Missouri Police Dept.
University of MO-Columbia PD
Current Bailiff/Deputy Greene County, Missouri Circuit Court

March 4, 2026

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