A married, volunteer ranger couple were mysteriously found shot dead in their Arizona home sparking a huge police probe.
Snowflake Taylor Police investigators have stated that they are ‘pursuing several leads’ regarding the shooting deaths of Troy Templeton, 62, and Cynthia Templeton, 53, but have yet to disclose details about potential suspects.
The couple, who were both affiliated with the Arizona Rangers, were found deceased in their home in Taylor, Arizona, after officers conducted a welfare check on Sunday.
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.
Authorities mentioned on Tuesday that no suspects have been identified, and while they do not believe there is a continuing threat to the community, they are actively investigating ‘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.
Troy Templeton, 62, and Cynthia Templeton, 53, both members of the Arizona Rangers, were mysteriously found shot dead in their Arizona home
Cops say they are working several leads to try and understand what led to their deaths on June 15
The couple were found dead in their home in Taylor, Arizona (pictured) when neighbors reported that their front door was left open
‘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.’
The couple’s friends said they met at the Arizona Rangers, and said they were stunned by the shooting deaths as they had ‘never heard anything negative’ about them
Tributes poured in for the couple, with Cynthia’s sister 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’
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.’
