The Karate Teacher Who Died Helping Strangers | Tucson News

Tucson News Today | 2 Min Now | The Daily News Now! · Jul 16, 2026 · 1m

A Christmas Eve murder turns into a courtroom drama as Jack Upchurch faces trial for the brutal killing of beloved karate instructor Paul Clifford. Clifford, known for his kindness and community spirit, was shot and burned after helping a stranger with a stranded car — a tragic act of generosity that ended in his death. His stepdaughter’s emotional testimony painted him as a gentle, devoted father. When Clifford vanished, his stepdaughter tracked his truck — only to find it miles away — sparking a frantic search that led to his charred body near a stolen truck. Three suspects were arrested…