DNA evidence has led to the arrest of a 31-year-old military veteran for the random execution-style murders of two teenagers who were simply enjoying a Memorial Day camping trip in Arizona’s wilderness.
Story Snapshot
- Thomas Brown, 31, charged with murdering two teens he had never met before during their camping trip on Mount Ord
- Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, were found shot multiple times at their remote campsite in May 2025
- DNA and forensic evidence cracked the case after months of investigation by Maricopa County authorities
- Brown was camping in the same area with his wife, who left the day before the murders occurred
When Paradise Became a Crime Scene
Mount Ord in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest should have been the perfect Memorial Day weekend getaway for two Phoenix-area high school students. Instead, it became their final destination. Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, ventured into this popular hiking and camping destination expecting adventure and memories. What they encountered was pure evil in the form of a stranger with murderous intent.
The teenagers were reported overdue by concerned family members. Search teams discovered their bodies the following day, both victims having been shot multiple times in what investigators would later describe as a senseless act of violence. The remote location and lack of witnesses initially made this case seem nearly impossible to solve.
The Methodical Hunt for a Killer
For five months, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office investigators pursued every lead and analyzed every piece of evidence from the crime scene. The breakthrough came through modern forensic science DNA evidence that definitively linked Thomas Brown to both the scene and the victims. This wasn’t a case of circumstantial evidence or witness testimony; hard science provided the smoking gun.
Captain David Lee from the Sheriff’s Office emphasized the random nature of these killings, stating there was no evidence of any prior connection between Brown and his victims. This detail makes the crime even more chilling Brown apparently selected these teenagers simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, vulnerable and isolated in the wilderness.
A Veteran’s Dark Turn
Thomas Brown’s background as a military veteran adds another disturbing layer to this case. Here was someone trained to protect and serve, yet allegedly turned those skills toward the most heinous of crimes against innocent young people. Brown had been camping in the same area with his wife from May 23-26, but she departed on May 25, leaving him alone on Mount Ord.
Investigators report that Brown provided misleading information during questioning, suggesting consciousness of guilt and an attempt to cover his tracks. His denial of involvement flew in the face of DNA evidence that prosecutors say places him at the scene of these brutal murders. The timeline shows Brown had opportunity, and the forensic evidence suggests he had means, but the motive remains the most puzzling aspect why randomly target two teenagers?
Justice Delayed but Not Denied
Brown’s arrest brings some measure of closure to families devastated by this senseless loss. He faces two counts of first-degree murder charges that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty if prosecutors choose to pursue it. The methodical investigation demonstrates how modern forensic techniques can solve even the most challenging cases.
This case serves as both a testament to investigative persistence and a sobering reminder that evil can strike anywhere, even in places we consider safe havens. For outdoor enthusiasts, it reinforces the importance of situational awareness and traveling in groups when possible. Random violence remains statistically rare, but this case proves it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Sources:
ABC News – Suspect arrested months after 2 teens found murdered
The Independent – Man charged murder teenagers arizona
