Good Samaritan's body found near smoldering vehicle on Christmas Eve; 3 suspects arrested

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. - In southern Arizona, the Pima County Sheriff's Department believes a Good Samaritan was murdered while trying to help someone who was having car trouble.

On Christmas Eve at 1:20 a.m., deputies from the Vail District responded to a report of suspicious activity in the vicinity of 14000 N. San Pedro River Road.

"While en route to the incident location, deputies discovered information which led them to believe the incident was potentially related to a stolen vehicle," stated PCSD officials.

Deputies say they believe the suspect went to 53-year-old Paul Clifford's home, claiming to be experiencing car trouble and requested help.

When Clifford didn't return home, his family called law enforcement.

Clifford was later found dead near a smoldering vehicle on a rugged dirt road near Redington Pass and San Pedro River roads.

"It's very far. It's very remote and to get out there, it takes a specific vehicle. I think you can get there in a regular two-wheel-drive vehicle, but it's going to be very slow-going," said Deputy Adam Schoonover.

PCSD says they later found a stolen car related to the investigation near Prince and Roger roads.

Timeline

On Dec. 30, three people were taken into custody on felony arrest warrants.

They were identified as 19-year-old Elmer Smith, 40-year-old Jack Upchurch and 16-year-old Wendy Scott.

Police say they recevied information that the suspects were in an area near Benson Highway and Country Club Road.

The suspects were located and barricaded themselves inside a home when police arrived.

Eventually, they called 911 to negotiate a surrender and were taken into custody.

More charges are pending.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crime to contact 911 or 88-CRIME.