Alijah Bradley was 24 and a recent Northern Arizona University engineering graduate when he was last seen on August 12, 2024. Family members said he missed work and did not make his routine daily call to his mother, and they reported him missing on August 15. His phone’s last known ping was at the apartment of a childhood friend, Samuel Bush, and his vehicle was later tracked to a remote desert area near Gila Bend where, family members said, he had no reason to be.

On August 19, 2024, authorities found Alijah’s remains in the desert east of Gila Bend. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide. Investigators allege Alijah was shot in the back and that his body was dismembered, and they say a reciprocating saw was purchased after the shooting and used in the dismemberment. On September 4, 2024, 23-year-old Samuel Bush was arrested on charges including second-degree murder and concealing human remains and held on $1.5 million bond; a motive has not been reported.

If anyone knew Alijah, his movements in mid-August, or has information about the events near Gila Bend, please come forward.