A cold case that has haunted the family of 25-year-old Evin Paulos for nearly eight years has finally been solved, according to the Phoenix Police Department. The alleged murderer, 34-year-old Michael Anthony Arredondo, was apprehended in Mexico following a tip from a stranger who recognized him. Arredondo, who lived as Paulos’ neighbor in 2017, reportedly confessed to the brutal stabbing.
The tragic incident occurred in June 2017 near Pinnacle Peak and Cave Creek Road in North Phoenix. Paulos was brutally stabbed 30 times in what police described as a violent rage, leading to a chaotic scene before Arredondo fled, initially evading capture.
Detective Dominick Roestenberg announced the resolution of the case, acknowledging the extensive efforts that led to Arredondo’s arrest with the assistance of U.S. Marshals. “It was a tremendous amount of work,” Roestenberg stated, highlighting the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing the long-standing investigation.
The breakthrough came unexpectedly—a random man’s MyGoFundMe page caught the eye of an individual in Mexico familiar with Arredondo. This led to an email tip to Paulos’ family, who subsequently alerted the police. Within a month, this information culminated in an indictment.
Eviein Paulos, the victim’s sister, expressed profound emotions during the announcement. “You know, he gave my brother a one-way ticket to heaven, so hey, I’m not mad at that,” she shared, reflecting on the long years of grief that accompanied her brother’s death. Despite the pain, she conveyed a sense of relief, stating that the resolution has allowed her to focus on healing and moving forward with her life.
This arrest not only sheds light on a grim chapter of Paulos’ family history but also emphasizes the importance of community support and perseverance in seeking justice. As Arredondo remains in custody with a bond set at $750,000, the case brings a measure of closure to a family that never lost hope in finding answers. Detectives reiterated that even time will not deter their pursuit of justice, sending a message that those who evade the law will eventually be brought to account.