Arizona Man Arrested for May Murders of Two Teens in Tonto National Forest

Thomas Brown, a 31-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of two teenagers, Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark, who were fatally shot while camping in the remote Mount Ord area of Tonto National Forest, Arizona, over Memorial Day weekend. The investigation, which lasted over four months, involved gathering DNA evidence, witness tips, and analysis of the crime scene, with Brown's DNA found inside the victims' vehicle and on gloves near the site. Brown, who was camping in the area with his wife before she left early, reportedly contacted the police himself, providing drone footage and information about his presence near the victims. Authorities have described the killings as a senseless act of violence against strangers, with Brown allegedly acting alone and the motive remaining unclear. The teenagers, both students at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, had gone camping to celebrate the start of summer vacation and were reported missing when they did not return as planned. Brown remains in custody on a $2 million bond and is due to appear in court again soon as the investigation continues.