A man gave a stranger a ride on Christmas Eve. He was later found dead near a burning car.

No arrests have been made yet, Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials said.

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz — An investigation is underway after a man was found dead near a smoldering car in a remote area of Pima County on Christmas Eve. 

At approximately 1:20 a.m., deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call regarding suspicious activity at 14000 N San Pedro River Rd, located north of Benson. The activity was suspected to be connected to a stolen vehicle.

Early investigations revealed that an unknown man came to the victim’s home and asked for help, claiming he was having car trouble. 

When the victim, later identified as Paul Clifford, 53, didn’t come home, his family reached out to law enforcement.

Subsequently, Clifford was discovered deceased in the vicinity of Redington Pass and San Pedro River roads. Simultaneously, the stolen vehicle was recovered at an apartment situated near Prince and Roger roads.

At this time, the ownership of the two vehicles is unclear. Investigators are working to learn more.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about the crime is encouraged to call 911 or contact 88-CRIME

This is a developing story and details are subject to change. Stay with 12News as we continue to update this story with new information.

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. 

Watch 12News for free 

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! 

12News offers a free app called 12+ that enables users to watch live events such as daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News,” as well as our everyday lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday,” on streaming platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

12+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. 

You May Also Like

Revitalizing Cleveland’s Communities by Transforming Empty Lots: It Can Be Done

Cleveland enlists residents feedback to transform vacant lots into green spaces or…

Tension persists in Kashmir even with ceasefire accord between India and Pakistan

NEELUM VALLEY – Joy about an India-Pakistan ceasefire was short-lived in Kashmir.…

Initial wave of 49 white South Africans departs for the US following acceptance of refugee status by Trump

A group of 49 white South Africans departed their homeland Sunday for…

NCAA Rules Panel Proposes Coach Challenges for Reviewing Out-of-Bounds Plays

The proposal is an effort by the NCAA to improve the flow…

Import tariffs lead to increased prices in Mother’s Day flowers in 2025

Some vendors are charging $20 or more per bouquet. STOCKTON, Calif. —…

A traditional Alaska Mother’s Day activity: Meeting ancient animals on a farm

It is a tradition that now stretches over three generations. PALMER, Alaska…

The upcoming weather shift may have a significant impact on the hurricane season in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – If you are spending Mother’s Day in Central Florida,…

“More than 10 people infected in the United States with listeria from ready-to-eat meals”

SAN FERNANDO, Calif. – A listeria outbreak in the U.S. has affected…

‘Thunderbolts’ and ‘Sinners’ are the top movies at the box office again

Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” dominated the North American box office…

“US Catholics Anticipate New Pope Meeting Their Expectations from All Directions”

News broke that the Catholic Church worldwide would have its first pope…

Young suspect escapes from custody in Aurora and is currently missing; people told to stay indoors

AURORA, Colo. — A shelter-in-place order was issued for an Aurora neighborhood…

The trial for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and sex trafficking will begin with opening statements

Federal prosecutors are set to begin the trial on Monday to prove…