Trial ends for man accused of killing Good Samaritan near Tucson

Closing arguments have ended in the trial of Jack Upchurch, who is accused of killing Paul Clifford near Tucson. The jury has begun deliberating.

Clifford, 53, was last seen late on Dec. 23, 2024, when a man came to his family’s home in the Redington area and said his vehicle needed a jumpstart. Clifford left in his daughter’s Ford Ranger to help. Deputies found his body the next morning beside a stolen GMC Sierra that was still smoldering.

Prosecutors say Upchurch lured Clifford from his home, shot him and set his body and the GMC on fire. Two alleged accomplices, Elmer Smith and Wendy Scott, testified against him after pleading guilty to reduced charges. Prosecutors also pointed to Upchurch’s fingerprint on the trigger of a dismantled pistol found at a home where the group had been staying.

Defense attorney Michael Harwin argued that the case relies too heavily on testimony from witnesses who received favorable plea agreements. He also questioned the reliability of fingerprint and shoe impression evidence and the handling of forensic work.

Upchurch faces 11 charges, including first degree murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, vehicle theft, burglary, arson and evidence tampering. The jury’s deliberations will determine whether he is convicted.