PHOENIX (CBS5) -
It is a tragic loss wrapped in a murder investigation that is filled with twists and turns, but for the family of Bruce Gaudet, regardless of the who, what and why, his loss is immeasurable.
"He was a charming, very outgoing personality who always had a smile on his face. Everyone you talk to... that is what they remember about him. As as one friend put it that 1,000 watt smile," said Rebecca Motlagh, Gaudet's sister.
Motlagh told CBS 5 her brother was known as the outgoing cigar dealer, but above all else he was a father.
"His daughters were his main focus in life. He did not miss a dance recital or a soccer game," said Motlagh.
Gaudet's murder and the fire at his condo has now been linked to another murder and fire that killed Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro in Paradise Valley.
Gaudet's family has been following both cases from out of state, but they said Gaudet was just an unfortunate victim.
"I think that it was a random act of violence. Unfortunately, there are so many people in our society that are addicted to drugs and causes them to lose their humanity," said Motlagh.
Motlagh said her heart goes out to the Shapiro family, knowing firsthand how a loss like this feels.
"Bruce and I just lost both of our parents this past year, and I just really feel for that family because it is such a huge loss to lose your parents, and then your brother on top of it is really kind of difficult," she said.
Motlagh spoke with CBS 5 News by phone from her home in California; however, Gaudet was actually living in Las Vegas where his three daughters are now planning his funeral.
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