Fugitive Suspect in Murder of Mother and Stepfather Killed While Evading Capture

A man who killed his mother and stepfather in Arizona fled to Missouri and shot at a state trooper before being killed, police said.

Francis Alcantar Chavez, 23, was being sought in connection with the homicides of Cynthia Templeton, 53, and Troy Templeton, 62, whose bodies were discovered in their residence on Center Street in Taylor, Arizona, on Sunday, reportedly with gunshot injuries. It was Cynthia Templeton’s former husband who found their bodies while returning their two children to the home, as revealed by the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department during a Wednesday news conference.

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Chavez was rapidly identified as a suspect, and authorities “issued a nationwide stop and hold” alert for him and his vehicle on Tuesday. It is believed that he traveled nearly 1,000 miles east to Concordia, Missouri. Law enforcement there located him in their area around 6 p.m. that day — although he managed to escape.

Approximately two hours later, Missouri State Troopers located Chavez’s motorcycle and, according to their reports, he collided with one of their vehicles before fleeing on foot. An officer pursued him, during which Chavez allegedly opened fire, striking the officer’s bulletproof vest.

The trooper shot back and hit Chavez, killing him. The wounded law enforcement agent was brought to a nearby hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.

“This is a tragic incident that has shaken our community,” Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Robert Martin said of the double murder, per KSHB. “Our hearts to go out to the loved ones of Troy and Cynthia during this incredibly difficult time.”