Phoenix, AZ — A 34-year-old Arizona man has been extradited back to the United States to face charges for allegedly murdering an Iraqi refugee in 2017, following a tip from a good Samaritan.
Victim and Suspect
Michael Anthony Arredondo, 34, was arrested on October 15 for allegedly fatally stabbing 25-year-old Evin Paulos in June 2017 while traveling together, authorities said.
According to police, Arredondo stabbed Paulos more than 30 times during a fight inside their vehicle. The victim was left on the side of a desert road and tried to crawl to safety but succumbed to his injuries.
Discovery of Crime
Authorities first found Paulos’ car abandoned at his ex-girlfriend’s home. The vehicle’s interior was covered in blood, and a kitchen knife was found in the backseat, according to court records.
Paulos’ body was eventually discovered about 10 miles from the Phoenix neighborhood where he and Arredondo lived.
Tip Leads to Arrest
A Mexican citizen submitted a tip about the cold case to Paulos’ family via GoFundMe in September 2025, helping authorities locate Arredondo, who had fled to Mexico after briefly staying in California.
Paulos’ sister, Eviein Paulos, said she initially doubted the tip but confirmed it after receiving evidence from the stranger, as per The Post.
Capture and Confession
Within a month, Phoenix Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and Mexican authorities apprehended Arredondo.
Detective Dominick Roestenberg said Arredondo allegedly confessed to the killing but did not provide a motive. He emphasized that the arrest shows authorities remain persistent, even years later: “Even with the passage of time, we’re still looking for you, we’re still hunting you down.”
Charges and Bond
Arredondo faces a second-degree murder charge from a grand jury indictment and is being held on a $750,000 bond.
What are your thoughts on this 8-year cold case finally being solved? Share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below.
