A suspect in a double homicide in Taylor has been killed after an exchange of gunfire with Missouri State Troopers. The story unfolded when at approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, Snowflake Taylor Police officers responded to a welfare check at a residence near the intersection of Center Street and Main Street in Taylor. The call was in reference to an open door at the location where upon entry, officers discovered married couple Troy Templeton, 62, and Cynthia Templeton, 53, deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual was also located inside the home but sustained no injuries.

In a press conference on June 18, STPD Lt. Derick Ortiz stated that within hours a suspect in the killings had been identified as Cynthia’s son, 23-year-old Francis Alcantar Chavez. This was determined after Cynthia’s ex-husband informed officers that he had dropped their two children off at the home earlier that day.

A nationwide search was issued for Chavez, and at approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, officers with the Concordia, Mo., police department located Chavez and entered into a vehicle pursuit. After losing sight of Chavez, Missouri State Troopers located Chavez later that evening and engaged in a vehicle pursuit. Chavez’s vehicle eventually ran into a trooper’s patrol vehicle, he exited the vehicle, and troopers gave chase on foot. Chavez, armed with a handgun, shot and struck one of the troopers in the trooper’s bullet resistant vest. The troopers returned fire, striking Chavez who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The trooper who was shot sustained minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

STPD Chief Robert Martin stated, “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.”

Chief Martin also expressed his gratitude to other local agencies that provided assistance including the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Show Low Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Winslow Police Department.