The quiet Christmas Eve morning in Pima County, Arizona, was shattered by a tragic discovery that left a family grieving and a community in shock. Paul Clifford, a 53-year-old resident known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, was found dead near a smoldering vehicle on a remote dirt road. The sequence of events leading to this devastating outcome began with a seemingly innocuous act of kindness – Clifford responding to a request for assistance with a vehicle problem. This act, however, placed him in the path of an unknown individual who, according to emerging evidence, was involved in the theft of a vehicle. What began as a good Samaritan gesture transformed into a nightmare, ending in Clifford’s untimely death.
The initial call to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department came in around 1:20 a.m. on Christmas Eve, reporting suspicious activity near 14000 N. San Pedro River Road. As deputies responded, further information suggested a possible connection between the reported activity and a stolen vehicle. This information would later prove crucial in piecing together the tragic puzzle. The sheriff’s department believes that Clifford had been approached by a suspect needing help with car trouble, an all-too-common scenario that often relies on the goodwill of strangers. Unbeknownst to Clifford, this act of kindness would lead him down a dangerous path.
Clifford’s family, growing concerned when he didn’t return home, reported him missing. Their search, unfortunately, culminated in the grim discovery of his body near the smoldering vehicle on the isolated dirt road. The location, described by Deputy Adam Schoonover as “very far” and “very remote,” speaks to the isolation and vulnerability of the scene. The difficulty in accessing the area, requiring a specific type of vehicle or a slow and arduous journey in a standard two-wheel-drive, underscores the chilling nature of the incident. The remoteness likely provided a sense of anonymity and cover for the perpetrator, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
The news of Clifford’s death sent shockwaves through his family and community. He was remembered as a “gentle giant” with a “huge, caring heart,” a testament to his generous spirit that ultimately led him to assist the individual linked to the stolen vehicle. His daughter, Sabrinna Vining, expressed her grief and disbelief on social media, detailing her father’s last known act – leaving home in her truck to jump-start someone’s vehicle. Her post confirmed the tragic end to the search, announcing that her father had been murdered. The family’s heartbreak is palpable, their loss magnified by the cruel irony of his death occurring while he was performing an act of kindness.
An online fundraiser was established to support the Clifford family during this difficult time, highlighting the impact Paul Clifford had on those who knew him. The fundraiser served as a platform for sharing memories and expressing condolences, painting a picture of a man deeply loved and respected within his community. The outpouring of support reflects the collective grief and sense of loss felt by those who knew him, reinforcing the tragedy of a life taken too soon in such senseless circumstances. The fundraiser also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from seemingly ordinary situations.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with Clifford’s death. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the incident, piecing together the events leading to this tragic outcome. The search for answers continues, fueled by the determination to bring justice to Paul Clifford and his grieving family. The investigation faces the challenge of unraveling the circumstances surrounding the stolen vehicle and identifying the individual who encountered Clifford, ultimately leading to his death. The community waits anxiously for updates, hoping for a swift resolution and closure in this heartbreaking case.
