By 1888, the Burrow Gang had robbed so many trains that their reputation equaled that of the James Gang. They were constantly pursued by lawmen and the Pinkerton Detective Agency. It was in 1888 that things would began to close in on them.

While in Nashville, a conductor recognized them and summoned law enforcement. The law officers had the Burrow Brothers trapped in a passenger car. Rube shot his way out and Jim was captured and sent to serve time in Texarkana, but on October 5, 1888, while still serving time, Jim passed away from consumption (tuberculosis). This didn't slow down the gang at all from its activities. Rube had returned to the gang and continued robbing trains throughout the south and southwest. When law enforcement seemed to be getting too close, the gang would return to Alabama, where friends and relatives would hide them out.

While in the town of Linden, Alabama, Rube went into a store to look at some new rifles. The store owner, Mr. Carter, recognized Rube and laid a shotgun across the counter, disarmed Rube and locked him in a back room then went to get the sheriff. While Carter was gone, Rube escaped, vowing to return and kill Carter.

Later that day, Rube approached Carter on the street and opened fire. A bullet struck Carter in the right arm. Carter pulled out his own pistol and returned fire, striking Rube in the stomach. Outlaw Rube Burrow died on a street in Linden, Alabama on October 7, 1890.

His body was shipped to Lamar County, Alabama and he was buried in Fellowship Cemetery in the community of Vernon.