Ariz. Dad Allegedly Lured Out of Home to Help Stranger, Found Murdered Near ‘Smoldering’ Vehicle

Paul Clifford, 53, was found early in the morning on Christmas Eve, police said.

Arizona authorities believe a man was lured out of his home to his death by a stranger seeking help with his car.

Paul Clifford, 53, was found dead near a "smoldering vehicle" by Redington Pass in Pima County, near Tucson, the local sheriff's department said in a press release.

The sheriff's office believes that Clifford was approached at his house by a stranger asking for help with "car trouble." Sabrina Vining, who said in a GoFundMe that Clifford was her father, wrote in a Facebook post that her dad had taken her truck late Monday evening “to go jump start someone’s vehicle.”

Family members were concerned when Clifford did not return home and contacted law enforcement, the sheriff's office said.

Police say the incident was "potentially related to a stolen vehicle," which was later recovered at an apartment complex near Prince Road and Roger Road in Tucson.

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In the GoFundMe, Vining wrote her father was “a gentle giant and had a huge, caring heart.”

“I am at a loss for my mom and doing everything in my power to support her at this time,” Vining wrote, adding that while she feels uncomfortable asking for funds, “my mom is going to need help in the wake of this devastation.” 

An investigation is ongoing. Police have not released information on a possible suspect or person of interest, or whether the suspect acted alone or in a group.