Thu Oct 23 11:20:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eight-Year-Old Murder Case Cracked: Suspect Arrested After Tip From Mexico

PHOENIX, AZ (October 26, 2023) – Phoenix Police have arrested Michael Anthony Arredondo, 34, in connection with the 2017 murder of 25-year-old Evin Paulos. Paulos was found dead near Pinnacle Peak and Cave Creek roads on June 3, 2017, the victim of a brutal stabbing.

Police say Arredondo, a friend or acquaintance of Paulos, allegedly stabbed him over 30 times following an argument inside a vehicle. Arredondo then fled to California before escaping to Mexico, where he remained for the past eight years.

The break in the case came when a Mexican citizen, recognizing Arredondo from a GoFundMe campaign created to raise awareness about the unsolved murder, contacted Paulos’ sister, Eviein Paulos. After receiving photographic evidence, Eviein confirmed the man’s identity.

Phoenix Police, working with Mexican authorities, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, successfully extradited Arredondo back to the United States.

“I think it sends a strong message out to the community that even with the passage of time, we’re still looking for you, we’re still hunting you down,” said Det. Dominick Roestenberg at a press conference Monday. “Justice is going to take its course.”

Eviein Paulos spoke of the profound impact her brother’s death had on her life. “It’s like being stuck in a room. It’s black. You have no answers, nowhere to go, no nothing. It’s just feeling empty,” she stated. She carries a necklace and ring with her brother’s name and image.

Arredondo reportedly admitted to the stabbing after his arrest. While details of the interview are being withheld due to the ongoing investigation, police say Arredondo has been unable to adequately explain his motive.

“There had to be some rage involved,” Roestenberg added, “He wasn’t really able to explain why.”

Arredondo is currently jailed on a murder charge and is being held on a $1.5 million bond. The investigation remains active.

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