Phoenix, Arizona — A suspect has finally been arrested in the deaths of two Arizona teenagers whose bodies were discovered in the Tonto National Forest in late May. The victims, Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, were students at Arcadia High School in Phoenix.
The teens were found on the morning of May 27, 2025, near Mount Ord after a Memorial Day‑weekend camping trip. They had not returned home, prompting concern. Their bodies were discovered off State Route 87, in a remote section of the forest. Their deaths were ruled homicides; both had died from gunshot wounds, and the circumstances were being described by law enforcement as suspicious.
Community efforts were swift. GoFundMe campaigns were set up to help each family with funeral expenses and related costs. Friends, schoolmates, and family members remembered Pandora as someone who loved music—she played violin, cello, and guitar—as well as animals and the outdoors, enjoying camping, hiking, and kayaking. Evan’s mother recalled him as kind, artistic, social, and driven; he worked at Crumbl Cookies and enjoyed photography, concerts, cars, and travel. His father described him as having an “old soul” and great enthusiasm for life.
In the months after the killings, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for help, saying even small tips might aid the investigation.
On October 2, 2025, 31‑year-old Thomas Brown was arrested and charged with two counts of first‑degree murder in connection with the case. He is being held on a $2 million cash‑only bond, and a court appearance was scheduled for October 8. Authorities have not disclosed what specifically led them to Brown, but court records indicate that his DNA was reportedly found inside one of the victims’ SUVs and on a pair of gloves stained with blood.
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to gather evidence, examine motive, and interview potential witnesses. We'll keep you updated with developments about Brown and his arrest.
