A 23-year-old man, Francis Alcantar Chavez, who was suspected of killing his mother and stepfather in Taylor, Arizona, was shot dead in Missouri after allegedly firing at a state trooper, according to police reports. The victims, identified as Cynthia Templeton, 53, and Troy Templeton, 62, were discovered in their home on Center Street with apparent gunshot wounds. The bodies were found by Cynthia Templeton’s former spouse who was returning two children to the residence.
The Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, during a press briefing on Wednesday, revealed that Chavez was promptly identified as a suspect in the double homicide. Consequently, a nationwide alert was issued for his arrest and for his vehicle on Tuesday. Chavez reportedly drove nearly 1,000 miles east to Concordia, Missouri, where local law enforcement located him around 6 p.m. However, he managed to evade capture.
Approximately two hours later, Missouri State Troopers discovered Chavez’s motorcycle. According to the troopers, Chavez crashed into one of their vehicles and fled the scene. During the ensuing pursuit, Chavez allegedly fired at an officer, striking him in his bullet-resistant vest. The officer returned fire, fatally wounding Chavez. The injured trooper was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to fully recover, police stated.
Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Robert Martin expressed his condolences to the victims’ family and acknowledged the impact of the incident on the community. “This is a tragic incident that has shaken our community,” Martin said. “Our hearts to go out to the loved ones of Troy and Cynthia during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Templetons were known to be members of the Arizona Rangers, a uniformed law enforcement auxiliary with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. State Commander Col. Barry J. Adams revealed that the couple met and fell in love through their involvement with the civilian law enforcement force. Cynthia Templeton’s sister confirmed that the couple had been married for just over a year.