The police are officially calling the deaths of two people found in a burning Paradise Valley home a possible homicide and arson case, reports The Arizona Republic.
Although they have not officially confirmed the identities of the bodies, many believe the victims to be Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro. Family members reportedly released a statement saying they were “shocked and saddened at the loss of our parents who were so loved by their family and community,” according to The Republic.
Lawrence has reportedly been a doctor in the Valley for more than 45 years, while Glenna was the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona for 30 years, according to ABC15 News. The Shapiros had just celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2010.
Paradise Valley police officers found the burning home and bodies after Phoenix police informed them that a burning car registered to the Shapiros’ address was found. Both the Phoenix and Paradise Valley forces are working together, along with the Secret Service and other agencies, on the possible homicide and arson investigation.
Hopefully, the perpetrators will be found and caught, which may happen sooner-than-later since the Phoenix Fire Department reportedly has the highest arson clearance rate in the United States.
Under Arizona law, arson of an occupied structure is a class 2 felony. If the fire was maliciously set, whoever was responsible could be facing significant consequences, especially with the possible addition of homicide charges.
For more information on the crime of arson, see our Related Resources section.
Related Resources:
- Find a Phoenix Criminal Law Attorney (FindLaw)
- Friends Grieve Paradise Valley Couple Found Dead in Their Home (azfamily.com)
- Arson (FindLaw)
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