DNA Evidence & Remote Crime Scenes: The Case of the Tonto National Forest Double Homicide

In late May 2025, two Arizona teenagers — 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark — set out on a camping trip in the remote Mount Ord area of the Tonto National Forest. They never returned. A vehicle was found parked off-road, and drag marks in the brush led investigators to their bodies a mile-and-a-half away. Both victims had been shot multiple times.

Eventually, a suspect — 31-year-old Thomas Brown — was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder after forensic DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene. Investigators recovered his DNA from the teens’ vehicle, from a pair of bloody gloves found near their camp gear, and from the victims themselves — evidence contradicting the suspect’s claim that he had never entered the vehicle.

Key take-aways for clients and legal professionals

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   Remote crime scenes still leave forensic trails — Although this incident occurred in a rugged, isolated area where normal video surveillance or cell-phone pings were unavailable, forensic science (DNA collection, drag-mark tracing, vehicle positioning) and good old detective work (tip lines, campers’ observations) played critical roles.

2. DNA evidence may be decisive — but also raises defense opportunities — In this case, the prosecution’s presentation of DNA found inside the victims’ vehicle and on gloves with blood was a major pillar of the case. But the defense already is challenging where the DNA was not found: for example, the absence of DNA on shell casings, and questions about how the DNA got where it did.

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   False or misleading statements can deepen exposure — According to court documents, the suspect provided statements that later conflicted with physical evidence. In any serious criminal case, inconsistent or inaccurate statements can become problematic.

4. High-bail, high stakes — The suspect is being held on a $2 million cash-only bond, illustrating how seriously the courts view alleged first-degree murder.

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   Defense strategy must address both facts and perception — Even though the suspect claims he had contact with the victims but denies murder, the evidence and credible forensic links present an uphill battle. Effective defense requires both technical forensics and narrative strategy: how did the DNA get there? What alternative explanations exist?

What this means for individuals facing serious criminal charges
If you or someone you know is under investigation (or charged) for a violent crime:

• Don’t underestimate the power of forensic evidence. Even in remote settings, DNA, trace evidence, and witness tips can build a strong case.

• Preserving and analyzing evidence promptly is critical. Whether you are in the suspect’s seat or defending one, understanding how evidence was collected, handled, and analyzed can reveal opportunities for challenge.

• Statements to investigators matter. Saying “I was hiking” or “I was camping there” may go beyond a simple presence and must be handled carefully.

• Bail and bond decisions can be enormous — and moving quickly to present mitigation can help.

• The public and media attention in high-profile cases (teen victims, remote wilderness setting, murder charges) add complexity: narrative, reputation, and legal strategy all interact.

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