News Summary
Thomas Brown, a 31-year-old Phoenix resident, has been arrested for the murders of two local teens, Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark. Their bodies were discovered in Tonto National Forest, with Brown’s DNA found in their vehicle and on items containing their blood. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently held on a $2 million bond. The community grapples with heightened safety concerns and seeks answers as the investigation continues.
Phoenix Man Arrested for Murder of Two Teens Found Dead in Tonto National Forest
A 31-year-old man, Thomas Brown, has been arrested in connection with the murders of two Phoenix teens, Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17. The teens’ bodies were found on May 27 in the Mount Ord area of the Tonto National Forest, close to State Route 87, several miles from their vehicle.
During his initial court appearance, prosecutors revealed significant evidence against Brown, including the discovery of his DNA in the victims’ SUV and on gloves that contained the victims’ blood. Although the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has not released further details about the investigation or how Brown is specifically linked to the crime, he has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Brown is currently being held on a $2 million cash-only bond. The judge set this high bond following a determination of probable cause during Brown’s court hearing, where the state requested the amount. Brown, who has no previous criminal history and served 10 years in the military, reportedly claims he interacted with the victims while camping and hiking in the area at the time of their deaths.
Kjolsrud and Clark were confirmed to have died from gunshot wounds, a verdict established by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. Brown’s next court appearance is scheduled for a status conference hearing on October 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Phoenix.
In the hours following the arrest, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan announced a press conference set for 10 a.m. on Friday to provide additional updates on the unfolding case. The investigation initially sought public assistance earlier in the year before Brown’s arrest was made public.
The discovery of the teens’ bodies has raised ongoing safety concerns from local residents about returning to the camping area. The mother of Evan Clark expressed her gratitude toward MCSO for bringing some measure of closure following the tragic murder of her son.
As the case progresses, many community members are left hoping for answers while grappling with the implications of such violence in their own backyard.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Man Accused of Murder of Two Phoenix Area Teens
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
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- ABC15: Arrest Made in Shooting Deaths of Two Valley Teens
- Google Search: Phoenix teens murder
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
