Three people have been arrested in connection with the death of a property Samaritan in Arizona.
Paul Clifford, 53, was found dead near a smoldering vehicle on Christmas Eve, according to authorities.
Investigators believe the suspects went to Paul Clifford’s home and asked for help with car trouble. His family reported him missing even though they had not heard from him.
BODY OF ARIZONA GOOD SAMARITAN FOUND NEAR SMALLING VEHICLE ON UNALVERSED ROAD
Paul Clifford, 53, was found dead near a smoldering vehicle in Arizona on Christmas Eve. (GoFundMe)
Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) Homicide detectives have located information leading them to believe the suspects may be in the area of Benson Highway near Country Club Rd.
A Pima County Sheriff’s Department badge. (PCSD)
PCSD Fugitive Investigations Unit (FIU) began searching for the vehicle and suspects and with the assistance of various PCSD investigative and support units, the suspects were located.
“PCSD homicide detectives have a search warrant for the property and the Pima Regional SWAT team served the warrant at the designated location. The suspects barricaded themselves inside the home and eventually called 9-1-1 to negotiate a surrender. All three suspects left the residence and were taken into custody without further incident,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s department.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY DISPUTE LEADS TO 3 SHOTS, 1 STABED AT PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT: POLICE
An exterior shot of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)
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“We are deeply saddened by the loss of my father. He was a gentle giant and had a big, caring heart,” Sabrina Vining wrote on GoFundMe.
Elmer Smith, 19, Jack Upchurch, 40, and Wendy Scott, 16, were booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center on felony arrest warrants.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
Louis Casiano of Fox New Digital contributed to this report.
