Statewide media swarmed the homicide scene Friday, Jan. 6, just south of Sedona while forensics crews attempted to salvage evidence in what the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office declared a double homicide.
YCSO deputies and the Arizona Department of Public Safety officers worked into the night Friday, Jan. 6, at the scenic overlook at mile post 364 between Forest Road 89B and Page Springs Road southeast of State Route 89A between Cottonwood and Sedona.
A red Subaru with New Hampshire license plates was found at the site and contained two dead bodies, an adult man and woman, according to Dwight D’Evelyn, public information officer for YCSO.
The victims have been identified as James Johnson, 63, from Jaffrey, N.H., and Carol Raynsford, 63, from Nelson, N.H.
YCSO found shell casings and other evidence indicating one or more suspects fired from outside the car striking both victims. A motive has not yet been developed, according to D’Evelyn.
The bodies were removed from the location Friday night and taken to the medical examiner to be identified.
Officers drew their weapons and headed into the forest surrounding the area after the victims were found around 11:30 a.m., according to Sedona Red Rock News reporters on scene. Passengers, who may have found and reported the bodies, from three Jeeps parked at the location were interviewed.
YCSO is on the lookout for a 1998 to 2002 white Dodge of Chevy 1/2-ton pickup truck with an older white camper shell and faded white paint. The vehicle has red ribbons hanging from the rearview mirror. Use all caution if the truck is located. The suspect or suspects are considered armed and dangerous. This does not preclude other vehicles which may be involved in this incident.
YCSO detectives are requesting contact from anyone who was in this area recently to immediately call YCSO at (928) 771-3260. Even if you think the information may not be significant, YCSO encourages you to call and share what you know to help determine a timeline of events leading up to the murders. You can also report information anonymously to Yavapai Silent Witness at 1 (800) 932-3232.
