Officials release names of Sedona murder victims

SEDONA, Ariz. - Authorities say a man and woman found shot to death in a vehicle outside Sedona Friday were from New Hampshire.

Dwight D'Evelyn with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office has identified the victims as James Johnson, 63, from Jaffrey, New Hampshire and Carol Raynsford, 63, from Nelson, New Hampshire.

D'Evelyn said the caliber of rounds fired has been determined to be .223 based on shell casings recovered at the scene. The rounds are used in rifles and three possible weapons are shown in a photo above.

D'Evelyn also said callers have reported seeing a pickup truck in the immediate area prior to the homicides being discovered. It was described as a 1998 to 2002 Dodge or Chevy 1/2 ton truck with an older white camper shell and faded white paint. There were red ribbons hanging from the rear view mirror. D'Evelyn said the occupants are likely armed and dangerous.

He said detectives are also looking to locate people associated with two different vehicles seen parked near the Subaru on the evening of January 5.

The victims were discovered late Friday morning in the vehicle parked at a scenic turnout on Highway 89A about 10 miles southwest of Sedona.

D'Evelyn said the victims where shot while sitting in the vehicle.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for any tip via Silent Witness resulting in an arrest. Contact the YCSO at 928-771-3260, Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232 or e-mail at web.sheriff@co.yavapai.az.us .