PHOENIX — Phoenix police announced the arrest of 34-year-old Michael Anthony Arredondo in connection with the 2017 murder of 25-year-old Evin Paulos. Paulos was found dead on June 3, 2017, after reportedly being stabbed more than 30 times following a fight with Arredondo.
Authorities say the men were acquaintances traveling together when the altercation began inside a vehicle and continued outside. Arredondo fled to California and eventually Mexico, where he remained for eight years.
Arredondo’s location came to light after a Mexican citizen learned about his alleged involvement through a GoFundMe campaign created following Paulos’ death. The citizen contacted the Paulos family, providing evidence that led to Arredondo’s identification.
Mexican authorities worked alongside the Phoenix Police Department, U.S. Marshals, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to extradite Arredondo back to the United States.
Detective Dominick Roestenberg emphasized, “Even with the passage of time, we’re still looking for you, we’re still hunting you down. Justice is going to take its course.”
For Paulos’ sister, Eviein Paulos, the arrest brings a measure of closure after years of uncertainty. She shared how she keeps her brother close, wearing a ring and necklace with his name and picture, and remembers him as a giving and kind-hearted person.
Arredondo reportedly admitted to stabbing Paulos after his arrest, though specific details of the incident were not released due to an active investigation. Detective Roestenberg noted, “There had to be some rage involved. He wasn’t really able to explain why.”
Arredondo is being held on murder charges with a $1.5 million bond.
