As you've probably heard, a Maricopa County Sheriff's deputy was fatally shot with a high-powered rifle over the weekend. As you also may have heard, a New Hampshire couple was found shot to death in their car near Sedona on Friday, also shot with a high-powered rifle.
Now, investigators are trying to determine whether the murders are related.
MCSO Deputy William Coleman, 50, was fatally shot when he and other deputies responded to a burglary call at a medical center in Anthem about 4 a.m. Sunday.
When Coleman and the other deputies approached a van in the parking lot, the suspect got out and started shooting, killing Coleman, a 20-year veteran with the MCSO and father of two young children.
The suspect was then fatally shot by other deputies.
MCSO Deputy Jeff Sprong tells New Times the Sheriff's Office is yet to release any information about the suspect.
Because the deputy and the couple each were shot with a high-powered rifle, and because the crime scenes are linked by their proximity to Interstate 17, authorities are investigating whether the same gunman is responsible for all three murders.
Sprong says the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office currently is investigating the ballistics of the gun used to murder the New Hampshire couple to see if it's a match to the gun used to shoot Deputy Coleman.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio's told other media outlets he wouldn't be surprised if the same gunman is responsible for all three murders.
Sprong says the YCSO should be releasing more info on the gun used to kill the New Hampshire couple this afternoon. Check back for updates.
