An elderly couple were found dead in their home in an upscale suburb on Monday morning, bound and burned beyond recognition.
Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro, a couple in their seventies who had been married for 50 years, were murdered in their Phoenix home, though police are not giving any details of the case except to say it is now a homicide and arson investigation.
Police in Paradise Valley, most known for its scenic mountain trails and upscale resorts, are still trying to discern whether or not they died in the fire or by other means.
The Shapiro's vehicle was discovered on fire 20 miles away from their home.
It was when an officer arrived at their house that he saw smoke coming from inside and called the fire department. The bodies were found once the fire was put out.
Paradise Valley Police Chief John Bennett said at a news conference on Wednesday they were waiting for the results of an autopsy to determine cause of death.
The deaths were the first homicides in the upscale community in nearly eight years, Chief Bennett said.
This particular crime is a heinous crime and it can happen anywhere,' he said. 'People in Paradise Valley hopefully understand it can happen even to them.'
Bennett said investigators hadn't identified any suspects or determined a motive.
This is going to be a prolonged, complex investigation that's going to take probably quite a lot of time,' he said.
The bodies of the couple were found in the master bedroom and police confirmed that a fire had been started in that bedroom and another.
Their deaths have shaken a police department that last investigated a homicide in 2004 and residents were being told to lock their doors and pay attention to their surroundings.
The distraught family of the couple visited the home on Tuesday evening and were brought around by police.
Though authorities have refused to confirm the identities of the bodies, the family posted a statement on their website thanking the public for their sympathy and asking for privacy.
They released a statement saying they were 'shocked and saddened at the loss of our parents who were so loved by their family and community.
'We are working with the investigators to help facilitate a thorough investigation to apprehend and bring to justice those who were responsible.
The home showed almost no damage from the outside, but sooty footprints and broken glass were strewn about the porch Wednesday, and part of the original wood door was replaced with plywood.
The sprawling home sits in a neighborhood near some of the area's nicest resorts and lushest golf courses, and has stunning views of Phoenix's Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak - areas that are popular among hikers, runners and mountain-bikers.
The Shapiros celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2010, The Arizona Republic reported, the same year they founded a charitable organization, the Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro Family Foundation.
Lawrence Shapiro, 79, had a 45-year career as a gastroenterologist. He and his wife actively supported many civic organizations and charities, including the Phoenix Symphony, the Arizona Opera, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, according to the Republic.
Glenna Shapiro had served as the kidney foundation's executive director and was on the opera's board for 15 years.
Mayor Scott LeMarr said he and his wife, Teri, have known the Shapiros for more than 20 years.
He told the Tribune: 'They were the dearest, kindest and most generous people you could ever have the honor to know, and their love of their family and generosity to the Paradise Valley community was immeasurable.
'They will be sorely missed and my wife especially will miss her exercise partner and friend. I'm confident our police department will bring those responsible for this apparently heinous act to justice.
Homicide Case: Deaths at Paradise Valley Home: MyFoxPHOENIX.com
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