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SALT LAKE CITY — The parents of two Utah attorneys were found dead in their burning Arizona home, victims of an apparent homicide.
Police were first called out on a report of a car fire in North Phoenix. They traced the car back to the home of Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro in upscale Paradise Valley. When when they arrived at the residence, the home was also on fire.
Upon further investigation, the Shapiro's were found inside: tied and burned beyond recognition.
(It's) scary. I didn't have any idea of any trouble. They're people probably in their late 70's, maybe even early 80's.
–George Sorenson, neighbor
Their sons, David and Steven Shapiro, own Shapiro and Shapiro Criminal Defense firm in Salt Lake City. In past cases, Steven Shapiro represented Keith Brown, the father of the musical group the 5 Browns, charged with molestation. David is the current president of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Steven told KSL his parents were found in their bed. He also said fires were intentionally set in their bedroom and on the opposite side of the house. According to Steven, it appears the master bedroom had been ransacked and items such as cell phones and iPads are missing.
Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro were well-known philanthropists in their community in Arizona. Glenna was the executive director at the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona for nearly 30 years.
Steven said his parents would often visit Salt Lake City to see their four grandchildren and maintain a home in the Salt Lake Valley.
Neighbors talked to a reporter from azcentral.com, saying how the Shapiro's were "lovely people" and they were shocked that this had happened.
"(It's) Scary," George Sorenson said. "I didn't have any idea of any trouble. They're people probably in their late-70s, maybe even early-80s."
As of right now, police have no suspects.
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(Photo courtesy Shapiro family blog)
