Paul Clifford (Photo by Sabrina Vining via GoFundMe)
Pima County Sheriff’s Department today announced that they have made three arrests in connection with the Dec. 24, 2024, murder of San Manuel teacher Paul Clifford.
The three suspects were arrested Dec. 30, 2024, and booked into the Pima County Jail on felony arrest warrants. The investigation is ongoing, PCSD said, and additional charges are possible.
The three suspects were identified as:
- Elmer Smith, 19
- Jack Upchurch, 40
- Wendy Scott, 16
According to PCSD, homicide detectives developed information that the three suspects were possibly in the area of Benson Highway near Country Club Rd. in Tucson. Detectives from the PCSD Fugitive Investigations Unit (FIU) were in the area and began searching for the vehicle and suspects. With the help of several investigative and support units of PCSD, the suspects were located in that area.
PCSD Homicide Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property and the Pima Regional SWAT Team served the warrant at the indicated location. The suspects barricaded themselves inside the residence, and eventually called 9-1-1 to negotiate a surrender. All three suspects exited the residence and were taken into custody without further incident.
On Dec. 24, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m., deputies from Pima County Sheriff’s Department were called to a report of suspicious activity in the 14000 block of N. San Pedro River Rd. While enroute to the incident location, deputies discovered information which led them to believe the incident was potentially related to a stolen vehicle. Deputies began efforts to locate all parties involved.
The victim of this incident, later identified as Paul Cifford, 53, was found deceased near a smoldering vehicle in the area of Redington Pass Road and San Pedro River Road. Mr. Clifford was recently hired as a teacher at the Mammoth-San Manuel School District.
Detectives from the PCSD Homicide Unit, Arson/Auto Theft Unit and Robbery/Assault Team responded to investigate. According to PCSD, the victim was approached at his home by a male subject who claimed to be experiencing car trouble and requested assistance. Mr. Clifford left with the suspect intending to lend a hand. When the victim did not return home, concerned family members contacted law enforcement.
The stolen vehicle was later located at an apartment complex near Prince and Roger roads in Tucson.
Mr. Clifford’s daughter has started a gofundme campaign to help her mom in the wake of this tragedy. To donate, go online to https://gofund.me/054b98ec.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.