In a crime that has shaken the small town of Taylor in northeastern Arizona, two community members were found dead of apparent gunshot wounds in a private home on June 15.
Officers with the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department discovered Troy Templeton, 62, and Cynthia Templeton, 53, dead around 7 p.m. on June 15, according to a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page.
Authorities stated there is “no reason to believe there is any threat to our area or those close to the scene.” As of June 17, no arrests had been announced. Department officials did not respond to a request for comment from The Arizona Republic.
The Templetons were both part of the Arizona Rangers, which is a group of uniformed non-commissioned civilians who act as an auxiliary to law enforcement.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Ranger Troy Templeton and Lieutenant Cynthia Templeton, who were tragically lost in a non-service-related incident on June 15, 2025,” the Arizona Rangers − Show Low Company posted on Facebook June 16.
“Both served the Arizona Rangers and their community with unwavering courage, integrity, and compassion. Their legacy of service and sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored.”
Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in the nearby town of Snowflake confirmed the deaths of the Templetons in a Facebook post and announced it would hold a mass in their honor on June 18.
According to the post, officers were responding to a welfare check at the home. A third person was also found inside the residence but was not injured. Police have not released that individual’s identity or any information about their possible involvement in the incident.
Multiple agencies are helping with the investigation, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Show Low Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Winslow Police Department. Authorities are asking for the public’s help, too. Taylor is a town of about 5,000 people.
“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,” Snowflake-Taylor Police Department chief Robert Martin said in a news statement. “The senseless violence that took their lives has no place in our community, and we are committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.”
(This story has been updated to add a map.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Snowflake-Taylor Police investigating shooting deaths of 2 residents
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