Audio By Carbonatix
The Paradise Valley Police Department held a press conference moments ago, during which they released more details about the apparent murders of a couple found dead in their burning home on Monday.
The PVCC says the man and woman were found bound in the master bedroom of their home near 40th Street and Camelback Road on Monday morning. A fire had been set in the room where the couple was tied up, as well as in another bedroom.
Because the bodies were so badly burned, the PVCC still wouldn’t identify the couple. However, the family of Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro, who owned the home where the bodies were found, indicate that the bodies were those of the Shapiros.
The PVCC says it wants to wait for the Maricopa County medical examiner’s report before officially identifying the bodies.
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Authorities also say they have no suspects in the murders, nor know of any motive.
Adding to the mystery is how the bodies were discovered — the only reason police went to the couple’s home is because they found a car registered to the Shapiros on fire near 7th Street and Union Hills Drive. After finding the car, Paradise Valley police went to the couple’s home — and that’s when they discovered the house was on fire, and there were two bodies inside.
“We are working with the investigators to help facilitate a thorough investigation to apprehend and bring to justice those who were responsible,” the Shapiros’ family members posted on a website yesterday.
Lawrence Shapiro, 79, a former gastroenterologist, co-founded the Phoenix-based Health Services Advisory Group.
The couple supports several local charities and civic organizations including the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony.
Police say these are the first murders in Paradise Valley since 2004.
Check back for updates.
