Guilty verdict in Good Samaritan murder trial

A jury found Jack Upchurch guilty on all 11 counts in the Good Samaritan murder case, including first degree murder, car theft, arson and tampering with evidence. Upchurch showed little reaction as the verdicts were read.

Prosecutors said Upchurch was driving a stolen truck near Redington on Christmas Eve when it broke down. They said he later went to Paul Clifford’s home, and Clifford took his daughter’s truck to help. A witness testified that Clifford was shot after asking why Upchurch was doing this.

Clifford’s body was found shot and burned near the disabled truck. The truck was also set on fire. Prosecutors said Upchurch, Wendy Scott and Elmer Smith returned to Tucson, where they spent six days using methamphetamine and hiding evidence before deputies found them.

Scott and Smith agreed to testify against Upchurch and pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Clifford’s family has criticized those deals and said all three people should face the same consequences. Upchurch is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28. Scott and Smith are scheduled for sentencing on August 10.