PD investigating if Phoenix fire, Paradise Valley murders are connected

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ - The Phoenix Police Department is confirming its detectives are looking into the possibility a condo fire and the murders of a Paradise Valley couple are connected.

On January 26, the body of 56-year-old Bruce Gaudet was found by firefighters working to extinguish the flames at his home in the area of 1600 E. Maryland in north Phoenix.

Sources close to the situation tell ABC15’s Christopher Sign that Gaudet was shot multiple times and then his home was set on fire.

Detectives with the Phoenix Police Department have been assisting the Paradise Valley detectives and sharing information on both crimes.

Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro were found tied up, shot and burned beyond recognition after their home was set on fire last week .

No official connection of the two crimes has been made.

Police responded to the Shapiros' 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.

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.

Paradise Valley Mayor Scott LeMarr has confirmed the suspects are in the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office.

The suspects' identities have not been released.