A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of two teenagers in Arizona, whom authorities say he randomly encountered while camping. Thomas Brown, a former member of the Arizona Army National Guard, faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Evan Clark, 17, and Pandora Kjolsrud, 18.
The teenagers were hiking in Mount Ord when they were killed. Their bodies were found on 27 May, each having been shot multiple times. Police discovered evidence at the campsite suggesting something had been dragged away.
Brown told detectives he had been camping in the area at the same time and encountered two individuals matching the victims' descriptions. However, investigators found DNA evidence linking him to the scene, including his DNA on the victims' bodies and inside their SUV, despite his claims he had no contact with them. A pair of gloves stained with his blood was also found near the vehicle.
Authorities say there is no evidence Brown and the victims knew each other, describing them as complete strangers. They believe Brown acted alone and poses no further danger to the public. He was arrested at his home and booked into Maricopa County jail.
Speaking at a press conference, Pandora's mother, Simone Kjolsrud, described her daughter as 'a beautiful, brilliant light in this world'. Evan's mother, Sandra Sweeney, expressed relief that 'no one has to worry anymore' and that the suspect would not harm others.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for both victims, each raising around $36,000.
