Pima County attorney releases statement after two sentenced in Paul Clifford case | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — Pima County Attorney Laura Conover has released a statement after two people were sentenced in the Paul Clifford murder case.

On Aug. 7, Elmer Smith, 21, and Wendy Scott, 18, received sentences for their roles in the death of the good Samaritan. 

Following those hearings, Conover released this statement saying: 

“In the matter of the senseless loss of the life of Paul Clifford, who was attempting to act as a Good Samaritan the night of his murder, a first degree murder conviction was secured, and I am grateful to our extraordinary prosecution team and victim advocates.

“We also remain deeply saddened for the loss that Mr. Clifford’s family and community have suffered.

“Next of kin have made very clear in the media they did not agree with the prosecutors’ strategy at trial. And while we made sure through hours of meetings, letters, and phone calls, including my own time as County Attorney to make sure every single one of their victims’ rights were followed, they remain deeply unhappy with the outcome, as is their right.

“Under the law, a victim does not choose the legal strategy used on their case any more than a patient guides the hand of their surgeon on the operating table. A victim gives input, and then their trial prosecutor proceeds with the best chance at a conviction, public safety, and accountability. This is true in our courthouse, and in every courthouse across the country, throughout the history of our Nation. I thank our Homicide Panel for determining our best strategic chance at conviction, I congratulate our prosecutors on their achievement at this very high-risk trial, and I send peace to the family.”

Smith will serve 7.25 years in prison. Scott was sentenced to six years of probation.

They both entered guilty pleas to reduced charges as part of a deal to testify against Jack Upchurch. Upchurch was convicted on all counts in connection with Clifford’s death.

Upchurch will be sentenced on Sept. 28.

Clifford was found dead on Christmas Eve of 2024. Authorities said the good Samaritan lost his life after stepping outside to assist people who claimed to be experiencing vehicle problems.