Mayor: Arrests made in Paradise Valley double murder case

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ - Paradise Valley Mayor Scott LeMarr has confirmed with ABC15 that arrests have been made in the murders of a Paradise Valley couple.

LeMarr said the suspects are in the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office. But the mayor said there would be no information released on the suspects during the weekend. LeMarr said Paradise Valley Police and the Maricopa County Attorney are working together to gather additional information.

The mayor said an announcement on the arrests will likely be made on Monday, February 6.

Lawrence Shapiro, 79, and his wife, Glenna, 78, were found bound, shot and burned beyond recognition in the master bedroom of their home, near 40th Street and Stanford Drive, Monday morning.

Police responded to the Paradise Valley home after a car belonging to the couple was found burning behind the Goodwill store near 7th Street and Union Hills.

When police arrived at the Shapiro residence, it was on fire.

The couple was positively identified through dental records, according to Paradise Valley police Commander Alan Laitsch Thursday.

Friday afternoon, Paradise Valley police released a statement, saying they are "continuing to follow leads and thoroughly examine pertinent and relative information."

On Friday, sources told ABC15 the Shapiros were shot and jewelry and other items were stolen from their home.

According to sources close to the investigation, there are multiple suspects and the couple's credit cards or other financial documents may have been used after their deaths.

Those close to the situation say 'very good' evidence was recovered from the scene.

Paradise Valley officials confirm to ABC15, detectives are looking at other Valley crimes, including a similar situation that ended with a man being killed in Phoenix.

On Saturday, Phoenix police said detectives believe there is a possible link between this case and one in central Phoenix on January 26 in which a man was found dead in his burning apartment. No one has been charged in that case.

The family of the Shapiros posted a statement thanking the public for their sympathy in this difficult time. The family also asked for privacy.

Lawrence Shapiro, a well known philanthropist, had a career as a doctor in the Valley for more than 45 years. Glenna has been the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona.