Man arrested in connection with the death of a 24-year-old

GILBERT, AZ — After the body of 24-year-old Alijah Bradley was found east of Gila Bend, a man reportedly his close friend was arrested for his suspected murder.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office confirmed that 23-year-old Samuel Bush was arrested on Wednesday for murder.

Bradley's family is devastated by the loss of a young man they describe as a shining light in everyone's lives.

“It's devastating. He was just growing up,” said Bradley's aunt Melissa McNeal. “I don't feel any relief or anything because – it doesn't bring him back – it doesn't fix anything.”

Bradley's family said he disappeared on August 12, just one day after his birthday.

He always called his mother to say good morning, except that day.

“He was supposed to contact her the day after they met, but he didn't,” said Jazmyn Ridley, Bradley's cousin.

The sheriff's office said Bradley's body was found east of Gila Bend on August 19.

His family said he had no reason to be out there and they were not aware of any conflicts.

What exactly led to Bradley's death remains sealed in court documents. Court documents are sealed in case prosecutors need to protect confidential information during an ongoing investigation. But it's unclear why the details of Bradley's murder were kept under seal.

Bradley graduated with honors from Northern Arizona University and worked as an engineer.

“He was just beginning his adult life. He was graduating from NAU and his future was ahead of him,” McNeal said.

From his first birthday to growing up alongside his cousins and the beginning of his adult life, Bradley's family members shared cherished memories and photos, painting a picture of a loving, intelligent and engaging individual.

“Very feisty, very confident and very silly. He loved to laugh and he got that from his mother,” Ridley said. “We just love him and we miss him.”

Bradley's mother issued a statement on Thursday that read in part:

“Elijah loved the outdoors, the sunshine, and had the best personality. The world will never see his goodness again. Because of this man's brutal act, I cannot believe the world will miss Elijah and his future contributions to the world… He was my everything, and it is unimaginable to me that I have to wake up every day in a world without Elijah… I dedicate my life to getting justice for my son.”

The family has set up a GoFundMe page for funeral and support expenses.