Good Samaritan killed near Tucson, Sheriff's Department says

The discovery of a man’s body northeast of Tucson on Christmas Eve is being investigated as a homicide, authorities say.

The slain man was identified Thursday as 53-year-old Paul Clifford.

The incident started about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday when deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity in the area of 14000 North San Pedro River Road, near Redington Pass, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday in a news release.

On their way, deputies were told the call might be related to a report of a stolen vehicle.

Once on scene, deputies found Clifford’s body near a smoldering car, near Redington Pass and San Pedro River roads, the release said.

According to Clifford’s daughter, Sabrina Vining, who posted about her father’s disappearance on Facebook, the last time her father was seen alive was about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 23. That’s when a man knocked on his home’s front door and said he needed help with his car, Vining and investigators say.

Vining said Clifford took her truck and left to help the stranger.

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“It’s the holiday season, I understand why he would want to go help someone out, but not everyone is a good person,” said PCSD Deputy Adam Schoonover. “Not everyone is intent on being a good person and there’s no warning flag saying, ‘Don’t talk to this person.’.”

When Clifford did not return home hours later, loved ones called police for help.

According to Vining, she was able to track the truck’s movements, which showed it going over Redington Pass to the east side of town, where she said it was located by police. Investigators say the vehicle was located at an apartment complex.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tip line.