Law enforcement in Arizona has apprehended and charged an individual in relation to the fatal shootings of two teenagers in a secluded location earlier this year.

Thomas Brown, aged 31, faces two first-degree murder charges for the deaths of Evan Clark, 17, and Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, both high school students, as revealed by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

“Murder ranks among the most egregious offenses inflicted upon individuals and their loved ones,” stated Capt. David Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office at a press conference on Friday. “In some respects, it represents the ultimate act of theft.”

Brown was detained and placed in Maricopa County jail. He did not surrender willingly, and there is no proof to indicate that Brown was acquainted with either victim prior to the incident, according to Lee.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Capt. David Lee speaks at a press conference on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office )

“They were, as far as we know, complete strangers,” Lee said. 

At Friday’s news conference, Pandora Kjolsrud’s mother, Simone Kjolsrud, described her daughter as “a beautiful, brilliant light in this world.”

“We are heartbroken and think of her daily,” expressed Simone Kjolsrud. “The world seems less vibrant without her presence, yet the light, love, and beauty she shared remain with us eternally. The darkness she faced on that tragic day when she met her assailant will not overshadow her life’s essence.”

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.