11 hours ago
Mystery as married volunteer rangers found dead in their Arizona home
A married, volunteer ranger couple were mysteriously found shot dead in their Arizona home sparking a huge police probe.
Investigators with the Snowflake Taylor Police say they are 'working several leads' over the shooting deaths of Troy Templeton, 62, and Cynthia Templeton, 53 and have not released any details about possible suspects.
The married couple, who were both members of the Arizona Rangers, were discovered in their home in Taylor, Arizona on Sunday when officers were called for a welfare check.
Neighbors reported that their front door was left open, and when officers entered the home they found them both dead from gunshot wounds.
A third person, identified as Cynthia's 21-year-old daughter with special needs by AZ Family, was also found unharmed inside the home.
Officials said Tuesday that they have found no suspects, and although they say they have no reason to believe there is further threat to the area, investigators are looking into 'several leads'.
'This is a tragic incident that has shaken our community,' Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Robert Martin said.
'Our detectives... 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,' Martin said.
'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.'
Officials said detectives from the AZ Department of Public Safety, Show Low PD, Navajo County Sheriff's Office and Winslow PD are joining in the multi-agency hunt for the perpetrator.
Arizona Rangers State Commander Col. Barry Adams told KOLD that he had known Troy since 2019 and met Cynthia a few years later, and said the couple met each other through the Rangers.
'This is the first time that I've seen or that I'm aware of, of two Rangers meeting in the Rangers and falling in love and getting married. So it is. It is kind of a special story,' he recalled.
Adams said the shooting deaths have left the Ranger community shaken, and couldn't imagine why the couple could have been targeted.
'I've never heard anything negative about Troy and Cynthia,' he said.
'So right now, we just want everybody to remember who they were and what they stood for... Very special people - very committed to their community.'
Cynthia's sister Ofelia Chavez said the couple had been married for just over a year, and said she was particularly devastated for her sister's daughter.
'She would sacrifice herself for her children, this is just who she was,' she said.
Chavez said she was stunned by the murder of her sister and brother and law, saying that 'if somebody did (kill them), that was because they were jealous of their love and everything they were doing for the community, and all the love they showed.'
The Templetons had been members of the Arizona Rangers Show Low Company. The civilian organization is an auxiliary support force for the police and other law enforcement.
'Both served the Arizona Rangers and their community with unwavering courage, integrity, and compassion,' the group said.
'Their legacy of service and sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored.
'We extend our deepest condolences to their family, loved ones, and all members of the Arizona Ranger organization as we mourn this tremendous loss.'
Arizona Rangers State Commander Colonel Barry J Adams added: 'This is a tragic loss for the community and the Arizona Rangers.'
