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.
Prior to the grim discovery, Clifford was approached at his residence by a man who asked for help after claiming he was experiencing car trouble, the release says, citing preliminary findings in the investigation.
Concerned family members contacted law enforcement after Clifford did not return home.
Deputies subsequently located the Good Samaritan's stolen vehicle at a Tucson apartment complex.
The investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tip line.
