TUCSON, Ariz.—Pima County Attorney Laura Conover released this statement today about the sentencing for the murder of a Good Samaritan, Paul Clifford:

“From the beginning, we knew that this case would be difficult to prosecute and heavily reliant on critical eyewitness testimony.

And what we knew more than anything was that the shooter had proven himself to be a tremendous ongoing threat of harm. It was not surprising that the homicide panel decided we should pursue life in prison without the possibility of parole. We are very selective and careful before sending someone to prison to die there, but this case qualified under our rigorous criteria.

I am deeply grateful to our Prosecution team, Victim Services Advocates, and law enforcement partners for their extraordinary work and dedication throughout this difficult and high-risk case.

Most importantly, our hearts remain with the Clifford family and those who loved him. I send my deepest condolences and peace to them.”

Laura Conover

Pima County Attorney 



The Pima County Attorney’s Office is committed to restorative justice, transparency, and accountability as the focus of a mission that also seeks alternatives to incarceration when appropriate, provides support for victims, and strives to be inclusive and equitable to all segments of the communities we serve in the pursuit of public safety and well-being.

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Media Contact: Shawndrea Thomas

Director of Communications

Pima County Attorney’s Office

(520) 724-5738 (Office)

Shawndrea.Thomas@pcao.pima.gov