Town of Taylor Grieves as 1st Homicides in 4 Years Claim 2 Cherished Lives

Troy and Cynthia Templeton were discovered dead in their Taylor home on June 15, a shocking incident that has left the small community reeling.

This tragic double homicide has shaken the peaceful town of about 5,000 residents, which had not seen a homicide in four years. The Templetons, both active volunteer law enforcement officers with the Arizona Rangers, were well-known and respected within the community.

Mayor Shawn Palmer expressed the distress felt by residents: “It’s a quiet community, it’s a pleasant community. So to have something tragic like this is really upsetting.”

The couple was found by Cynthia’s ex-husband during a custody drop-off. The police presence was overwhelming as the community grappled with fear amid a backdrop of uncertainty.

The investigation quickly escalated after authorities identified Cynthia’s 23-year-old son, Francis Alcantar Chavez, as a prime suspect. Chavez, who had been living with the Templetons, is not a local but had ties to the family.

A nationwide alert was issued for Chavez, leading to his detection by Missouri state troopers. During an attempted arrest, Chavez reportedly opened fire, prompting officers to return fire and fatally wound him.

With Chavez’s death, some questions remain regarding whether he acted alone. Investigators continue to search for additional persons of interest while chasing down leads related to the case.

Authorities are committed to finding justice for the Templetons, indicating that more details may emerge as the investigation unfolds. “There are plenty of other things being looked into that aren’t being talked about publicly to avoid compromising the case,” Mayor Palmer noted.