TAYLOR, AZ — Authorities are investigating a double homicide in an Eastern Arizona community that left two members of the Arizona Rangers dead.
It happened in Taylor, which is located in Navajo County, just south of Snowflake.
At around 7 p.m., June 15, officers with the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department responded to a home near Center and Main streets for a welfare check.
The call was in reference to an open door, where, upon entry, two people were found dead inside with apparent gunshot wounds. A third person was located in the home but was not injured. That person's identity or relation to the others has not been provided.
Police have identified the two individuals as 53-year-old Cynthia Templeton and 62-year-old Troy Templeton, both of Taylor.
The Arizona Rangers identified Cynthia as a lieutenant and Troy as a ranger with the department.
On Wednesday, Snowflake Taylor police announced a 23-year-old man, identified as Cynthia's son, became a person of interest to police hours after the shooting.
Officials say the incident was reported to police by Cynthia's ex-husband, Luis Alcantar, "who was returning two children to the home."
Police issued a nationwide "stop and hold" for Francis Alcantar Chavez and his vehicle.
On June 17, Francis entered a pursuit with the Concordia, Missouri Police Department, according to officials.
After losing sight of him, Missouri State Police located the vehicle and engaged in a pursuit. Officials say Francis “eventually ran not a trooper's vehicle.”
“Troopers gave chase on foot, at which time, Francis, armed with a handgun, shot at one of the troopers, striking him in the bullet-resistant vest,” police said.
Troopers then returned fire, shooting Francis. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The trooper was taken to a hospital for minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Chief of Police Robert Martin released the following statement:
"This is a tragic incident that has shaken our community. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Troy and Cynthia during this incredibly difficult time. The senseless violence that took their lives has no place in our community, and we are committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.
Our detectives along with detectives from the AZ Department of Public Safety, Show Low PD, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Winslow PD are working tirelessly to piece together what happened and why. While we are still early in the investigation, we want the public to know that we are following several strong leads. We also urge anyone who may have information—no matter how small—to come forward. Your cooperation could be critical in helping us solve this case.”
Police officials say there is no reason to believe there is any threat to the public.
