Arizona authorities have made three arrests in connection with the tragic death of a good Samaritan.
Authorities have reported that Paul Clifford, aged 53, was discovered deceased near a vehicle that was still smoldering on Christmas Eve.
Paul Clifford’s family became concerned when they hadn’t heard from him and reported him missing as investigators suspect that the suspects approached his home seeking assistance with their car trouble.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) Homicide Detectives, they came across information that indicated the presence of the suspects in the vicinity of Benson Highway near Country Club Rd.
The PCSD Fugitive Investigations Unit (FIU) initiated a search for the vehicle and suspects. Working together with various investigative and support units of PCSD, they successfully located the suspects.
“PCSD Homicide Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property and the Pima Regional SWAT Team served the warrant at the indicated location. The suspects barricaded themselves inside the residence, and eventually called 9-1-1 to negotiate a surrender. All three suspects exited the residence and were taken into custody without further incident,” a statement from the sheriff’s department said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of my dad. He was a gentle giant and had a huge, caring heart,” Sabrina Vining wrote on a GoFundMe.
Three individuals, namely Elmer Smith (19), Jack Upchurch (40), and Wendy Scott (16), have been apprehended and subsequently admitted to the Pima County Adult Detention Center. Their detainment is based on the existence of felony arrest warrants against them.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation, and there may be additional charges in the future.