McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer

Nearly 12 years after Duncan Templer’s mysterious disappearance, and the later discovery of his tragic death, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office has reopened the case, igniting a fervor for justice that echoes through the community.
Templer’s daughter, Rebecca Schafer, is leading a tireless campaign to shed light on irregularities and strange details surrounding her father’s “undetermined” fate; a fate which officials thought might be due to suicide, but ultimately remains uncertain.
“It’s been a long fight for the truth,” Rebecca said. “My dad was a veteran, a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. The fact that we still don’t know how he died is unbearable.”
In a McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) press release, dated Jan. 16, 2025, Sheriff Matthew Johansen stated that his office aims to uncover the cause and manner of death, but emphasized that the case is not being treated as a homicide investigation.
Yet, questions linger in the minds of many. Why did it take over a decade for the case to be revisited? What really happened in the days leading up to Templer’s disappearance?
Case Timeline
• July 24, 2013: Duncan Templer’s semi-truck was found abandoned at Theodore Roosevelt National Park with the keys still in the ignition.
• July 27, 2013: The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suicide threats for a male individual, later identified as Duncan Templer. Templer was not able to be located on the day of the report. Subsequent searches by law enforcement and family members failed to yield any clues about Templer’s whereabouts.
• September 28, 2013: A hunter discovered human remains south of Watford City that were later determined to be those of Duncan Templer.
• December 20, 2024: The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a family member of Duncan Templer who requested the case be reopened.
• January 16, 2025: The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office announced via press release that it has decided to re-open the death investigation case of Duncan Templer.
Troubling Questions
Schafer and her family have long sought answers to questions surrounding Templer’s death, which led them to launch social media campaigns and online discussions, including an appearance on a podcast titled “Trucking True Crime,’ where Schafer reveals some of the peculiarities that have left room for doubt. Among the most enigmatic questions raised by Schafer in the podcast are:
• How did Templer die? The official cause of death was undetermined. The coroner ruled out drugs and alcohol. There was mention of possible bullet fragments, but they were inconclusive.
• Why was Templer’s body not immediately found? Templer’s remains were found two months after his disappearance, in an area said to have been searched by investigators.
• What happened to Templer’s pistol and missing wallet? Schafer asserts her father had recently bought the weapon for protection, vaguely citing fears for his safety. The weapon was never found.
• Was it suicide? Duncan’s family emphasizes that he was strongly against suicide, making his later actions even more perplexing. Additionally, Schafer says he was focusing on improving his health and looking forward to the birth of his grandchild.
• Was foul play considered? According to family members, Templer had recently helped a woman escape an abusive relationship, which the family believes should have been a point of investigation. Schafer claims that around the time of his disappearance, her father was being harassed by a group of men after trying to assist the woman.
Renewed Hope in the Search for Answers
Schafer’s social media campaign, titled “Justice for Duncan: Uncover the Truth,” has gained momentum, with supporters rallying around her call for community involvement. “We need the public’s help,” she implores. “My father deserves justice, and so do all the families left in the dark.” Additionally, a GoFundMe page has sparked hope, aiming to raise $10,000 to fund a comprehensive re-examination of the case. “It’s heartbreaking that we have to fight so hard just to know the truth about my dad,” she lamented. “But we will not give up. We owe it to him.” As the investigation unfolds, Rebecca remains hopeful. With the community rallying behind her, the quest for justice in Duncan Templer’s case is far from over. The reopening of this haunting investigation may just be the first step towards uncovering the truth that has eluded a grieving family for over a decade.
Sheriff Johansen has enlisted the public’s help in bringing a resolution to the case: “we are asking the public to contact the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office with any information surrounding the death of Duncan Templer. If you do have information regarding this case, please request to speak to a Detective within our Investigations Division. Reference prior case #2013072417-003 and current case #MKI25-00081.” The MCSO can be reached at (701) 842-6010.

  Visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!