The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two valley teenagers who were found remotely northeast of the Phoenix Metro area earlier this week.

The lawmaker was first called to the scene on the outskirts of the state Route 87 between Mesa and Payson early Tuesday morning.

Sources say ABC15 occurred at a campsite near Mount Ode in the Tonto National Forest.

Officials have identified the victim as 18-year-old Pandora Kjolslud, an unknown 17-year-old. At a memorial for teens, friends and family identified 17-year-old ABC15 as Evan Clark.

Maricopa County Medical Inspectors list deaths as “murder.”

On Friday, MCSO said the teens had died from gunshot wounds. They added that their deaths are being treated as suspicious.

“At this point, our focus is on conducting comprehensive, meticulous investigations to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones,” the MCSO said. “We coordinate closely with our law enforcement partners and seek patience and respect for the investigative process when we work through facts.”

Anyone with information about the incident will be asked to contact the MCSO at 602-876-TIPS.

Arcadia High School wrote to the family saying that two students had lost their lives and the MCSO was investigating the death. The school did not identify the victim by name or provide details of the death. The principal of Arcadia High said they will provide counseling and support services to those in need.

ABC15 spoke with Kjolsrud’s mother on Thursday. He shared a loving message about his daughter. “She loved everyone she met and had the unusual ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved by everyone she met. She was a friend of many and her beloved daughters. She always lived her life on adventures and loved hiking and camping.

Kjolsrud Family

ABC15 also obtained a statement from the Kjolsrud family below:

“On behalf of the Kjolsrud family, we are heartbroken to confirm the tragic loss of our beloved Pandora.

The family works closely with law enforcement and is fully faithful when justice is served. Anyone with information is asked to come forward and assist in investigating the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office as much as possible. Information can be shared through the MCSO chip line, 602-876-TIPS.

During these incredibly difficult times, we kindly ask for privacy from our families as they grieve and navigate this unbearable loss. We appreciate the pouring of love and support from our community.

Thank you for your consideration.

From the heart,
Kathryn Leonard
Representative of the Kjolsrud family

Kjolsrud Family There is gofundme Raising funds for Pandora’s funeral expenses.

Sandra Sweeney

Sandra Sweeney, Evan Clark’s mother, sent the following statement to ABC15 on Saturday:

I was Sandra Malibu Sweeney and Evan Clark was my only child and my beloved son. This past week, Evan was taken away from me and I feel that my level of sadness is insurmountable. I realized I was totally lost to imagine a life without him. It’s a little comfort to share some things about this boy he was on his way to become a great guy.

Evan was not a typical teenager. He was funny, cheerful, kind and entrepreneur. He was a sensitive and loving old soul. Evan wrote to me. I laughed and cried out as the last thing he gave me on Mother’s Day was so touching. He was special. He deserved a long life.

Evan enjoyed working with Crumbl Cookies, went on concerts, photography, cars and trips to Malibu, California. Evan attended Rancho Solano, where he was a popular student and enjoyed his amazing faculty and friends. He then attended Veritas Prep, where he formed even stronger friendships and played for the soccer team. Evan spent his final grade at Arcadia High School, where he flourished socially.

The pouring of concern from these communities meant a lot to me. I am truly grateful to all who reached out to provide compassion and sympathy. The kindness I showed touched me deeply. thank you very much.

“Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present, and cross the far coast. Your mind and body will be released, and you will not suffer anymore.”

Sweeney’s friends have also set up gofundme to help her honor Evan.