Suspect from Saint Peter Arrested for Double Homicide in Arizona

In a dramatic development, authorities have apprehended a former resident of Saint Peter on serious charges related to the deaths of two teenagers. Thomas Henry Brown, aged 31, was taken into custody following allegations that he played a role in the double homicide of two students during what started as an innocuous camping trip.

The Incident

On May 27th, law enforcement discovered the lifeless bodies of 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark, both Arcadia High School students from Arizona. The scene was grim: they had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were found dragged into nearby bushes within Tonto National Forest’s Mount Ord area. These tragic events sparked a comprehensive investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

The Investigation

Investigators pursued various leads, one of which pointed to Thomas Brown. He had reportedly been camping in the vicinity on May 25th and claimed he was documenting the landscape via drone when the crime occurred. However, his account aroused suspicion among deputies, particularly given physical evidence linking him to the crime scene. The county attorney emphasized that Brown’s DNA was found inside gloves with blood stains and within the victims’ vehicle. Yet, his defense highlighted an absence of his genetic material on the murder weapon or shell casings.

Brown’s Background

The suspect, a Saint Peter High School graduate from 2012, relocated to Arizona in 2020. Known for his military service, Brown served as an infantryman (11B) in both Minnesota and Arizona Army National Guard until December 2022, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Legal Proceedings

During his court appearance, Brown faced two counts of first-degree murder with a substantial bail set at $2 million. The judge affirmed there was probable cause to proceed based on evidence presented. A hearing is scheduled to further determine the course of this case.

Community Reaction

The news of Brown’s arrest has left members of his military unit and community in disbelief, particularly as they reflect upon social media posts indicating a growing political fervor over recent years. The unfolding legal saga promises to capture further attention as new details emerge.

For more insights into this ongoing investigation and its impact on the local communities, stay tuned for updates from reliable news sources.

Original Article Source: KEYC News

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