Thomas Brown ex military veteran arrested in the slaying of Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark who were killed during remote camping trip according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

A former military veteran has been arrested in connection with the brutal killings of two Phoenix-area teenagers who were found dead during a Memorial Day weekend camping trip in Arizona.

Thomas Brown, 31, was taken into custody Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17. The victims were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds in the Mount Ord area of Tonto National Forest on May 27.

Authorities said Brown, who had initially come forward to investigators with drone footage of the campsite after police asked for public tips, was later linked to the crime through DNA evidence.

Kjolsrud and Clark, both Arcadia High School students, had gone camping together to celebrate the start of summer vacation. When they failed to return home, deputies searched the area and found their bodies just off State Route 87. The teens’ vehicle was later located in a separate location.

Evan Clark with his mom, Sandra Malibu Sweeney, before his death on May 26, 2025.

Brown admitted to investigators that he had been camping nearby with his wife, who left the site early, leaving him alone. He also acknowledged seeing the victims in their vehicle the day of the killings, but denied entering their SUV or having any contact with them. DNA tests later contradicted his claims.

Court records state that Brown’s DNA was recovered inside the victims’ vehicle, along with blood-stained gloves containing DNA belonging to both teens and the suspect.

Authorities believe Brown acted alone and had no prior connection to Kjolsrud or Clark. His motive remains unclear.

Brown, who served 10 years in the military and has no criminal history, is being held on a $2 million cash bond. He is due back in court for a status hearing on October 8.

Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark who were killed during remote camping trip in the Mound Ord area of Tonto National Forest, near Phoenix.

The arrest ends four months of anguish for the victims’ families.

“We are all devastated and miss her every day. All of life’s beauty feels less bright without her here,” said Pandora’s mother, Simone Kjolsrud.

Evan Clark’s mother, Sandra Sweeney, added: “The past four months, I’ve been haunted every night by the murder of my son. I hope now that they have someone in custody, everyone can sleep safe knowing this person can’t harm anyone else.”