Marshal Dahlin was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at a potato warehouse. Marshal Dahlin was shot twice During an exchange of gunfire with the suspects. He succumbed to his wounds two days later. One of the suspects was also shot and wounded.

Two men were arrested four months later and charged with Marshal Dahlin’s murder. Both were wanted for several robberies in neighboring counties and the murder of a cashier during a bank robbery in Weelock, North Dakota, on November 12, 1926. On May 14, 1927, both were convicted of Marshal Dahlin’s murder and sentenced to life. One was paroled January 24, 1949, after being diagnosed with severe heart problems.

Marshal Dahlin had been with the agency for one year. He was survived by his wife and stepson.