By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-31 03:51:27 | Updated at 2025-01-03 02:38:38
2 days ago
An Arizona family was left devastated after a loving husband and doting dad of tw was found murdered after he set out to assist a stranger he believed to be in need of help.
Paul Clifford, 53, left his Benson, Arizona home late on the night of December 23 when a man appeared at the Clifford family home claiming his car had broken down.
True to his generous nature, Clifford took one of his daughter's truck and left at around 11:30pm to help the man. But as the hours passed by with no word from him, his family grew increasingly concerned.
'My dad went missing last night at 11:30, he took my truck to go jump start someone's vehicle. We tracked the truck and the police have found it in Tucson, truck went over Redington pass to get to the east side,' daughter Sabrina Vining wrote on Facebook.
But their worst fears were confirmed on Christmas Eve when authorities tracked Clifford's truck to a desolate stretch of road northeast of Tucson, some 14 miles away from the family home.
There, they discovered a horrifying scene: Clifford's lifeless body lying near his burned-out vehicle, which was still smoldering.
The remote location was so difficult to access that deputies described it as being 'nearly impossible' to reach without specialized vehicles.
'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 two wheel vehicle but it's going to be very slow going,' said Deputy Adam Schoonover of the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Paul Clifford, 53, set out from his Benson home on the evening of December 23 when a man appeared at the Clifford's home claiming his car had broken down. He was found the next day
Authorities tracked Clifford's truck to a desolate stretch of road northeast of Tucson, some 14 miles away from the family home
Paul Clifford, 53, was said to be a loyal family man. He is pictured with his wife and two daughters, Sabrina and Samantha
'It's an isolated, rugged area. The circumstances of how he ended up there are deeply suspicious.'
Police seemed to be aware something was amiss in the early hours of December 24 after deputies responded to a report of 'suspicious activity' at around 1:20am.
But by the time they arrived, the scene was eerily empty - leaving more questions than answers.
One of Clifford's two daughters, Sabrina, described her dad as a 'gentle giant' with a heart of compassion.
'We are devastated. He was the kind of man who would do anything for anyone, and this is how he was repaid,' she wrote on a GoFundMe page to support her grieving family.
'I'm at a loss for my mom and am doing everything I can to support her through this unimaginable pain.
'I'm trying my best to help my mom with anything I can. Any help is appreciated and not expected, people have reached out and I want to make sure my mom is taken care of because that's what my dad would have wanted,' Sabrina wrote.
'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 two wheel vehicle but it's going to be very slow going,' said Deputy Adam Schoonover of the Pima County Sheriff's Department
Paul Clifford is pictured in a photo from his younger years
True to his generous nature, Clifford took one of his daughter's truck and left around 11:30pm - but as the hours passed by with no word from him, his family grew increasingly concerned
Paul Clifford is pictured alongside his wife Christina Clifford
Paul is seen alongside his wife, Christine, daughters Sabrina and Samanatha together with his young grandson
The identity of the mysterious man who lured Clifford from his home remains unknown, and authorities have not disclosed whether they believe the man played a role in Clifford's death.
The investigation remains active but no arrests have been made. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, as any small details could be crucial in solving the case.
The Sheriff's Department can be reached on 520-882-7463.
