Mugshots of those arrested and details of those charged  in the horrific murder of Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro...  

Update:  Five people are now in custody for a shocking and appalling crime and been charged with murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, trafficking of stolen property,  and arson. The 26-31 year olds are residents of Glendale, Phoenix and Tempe. 

There is no evidence at this time that the Shapiros were targeted and the investigation is ongoing. 

The murder weapon has been recovered and high priority is being given to lab analysis of the stolen property now in the hands of law enforcement. 

The horrifying murder of the prominent well loved couple has interrupted a quiet neighborhood in posh Paradise Valley. Residents of the  desert landscaped community lined with the most expensive houses in the Phoenix area,  are in shock. Not only because of the surreal scene of round the clock investigators, but because the couple who were murdered were so well liked. Dr. Larry Shapiro, 79, and his wife Glenna Shapiro, 77,  had a low key delightful demeanor and were involved in many charities. The couple loved the opera and attended not only Friday night's Arizona Opera performance, but also on Sunday. 

In those hours following the opera something went tragically wrong. 

On Monday morning, the bodies of the Shapiros were discovered. They had been tied up and bound in their master bedroom and their bodies burned from a fire set by someone who went to extreme lengths to cover their tracks. The murderer or murderers not only set fire to two bedrooms in the house, but abandoned one of the Shapiro's vehicles  20 miles away in north Phoenix and set it ablaze.  

On Tuesday,  Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro’s three children  arrived from their out of state homes and had the unimaginable fate of touring the house with officials. The family is understandably requesting their privacy during this difficult time and have expressed their shock and sadness of the loss of their parents who were so loved. Larry Shapiro is a retired gastroenterologist and co-founder of Health Services Advisory Group; and Glenna, is a former executive director of the Arizona Kidney Foundation.  

The public memorial service  was held today at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix. The theatre was filled with dignitaries and prominent residents.  

Paradise Valley police and detectives and arson investigators worked steadfastly throughout the night in the  4,000 square foot home.  Police are not yet releasing any official reports at this point, and keeping details close to the vest during this time, so early in the investigation. The Shapiro’s modest home compared to others in the luxurious surrounding area, remained a crime scene, for several days this week, with police tape wrapped around the perimeters. Below, in this photo I took, the garage door was still open.

The bizarre twist in this unfolding story has close friends, neighbors and the community at large speculating because the couple’s car was found first on fire in a different location in North Phoenix. When Paradise Valley Police arrived at the Shapiro’s residence, they discovered two dead bodies and there was a fire smoldering in the home as well.   Firefighters were able to quickly distinguish that blaze that smoldered possibly because of the home's recent renovation work. 

Not only are several local law enforcement agencies working together on the case, but that includes the United States Secret Service. Paradise Valley Commander Laitsch and Police Chief John Bennett are hoping that someone will come forward with more details, as they have no suspects or motive at this time. There is a $5,000 award through Silent Witness.

Again, as I reported earlier, on a personal note, this is hard to cover as a reporter because I have known Larry and Glenna for years and the possibility that something as tragic as this has happened in their residence is so very sad. I was outside the home this morning with reporters and police and will keep you updated as the investigation progresses.

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer and TV-Field Producer. The former TV reporter based in Phoenix has written for such publications as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it