Gilbert, AZ – Disturbing new information has come to light in the tragic and graphic case involving the murder of Alijah Bradley, a 24-year-old man whose headless body was found abandoned near a remote desert town in Arizona. The accused, Samuel Stephen Bush, also 24, stands charged with multiple serious felonies including first-degree murder.

The incident has shocked the local community and highlighted the severity of the crime, unveiling a chilling account of betrayal and brutality between two former best friends.

A Sinister Betrayal and Brutal Crime

The underlying events occurred in Gilbert, a prominent suburb located approximately 22 miles southeast of Phoenix in Maricopa County. On August 12, 2024, the day after his 24th birthday, Alijah Bradley went missing. Bradley had recently graduated from Northern Arizona University and was known for his daily habit of calling his mother each morning.

When Bradley failed to make his usual call, his family reported him missing three days later, fearing the worst. Investigators now believe Bradley was fatally shot in the back by his friend Samuel Bush on the very day he disappeared — the first day he broke his phone call routine.

Prosecutors allege that shortly after the shooting, Bush purchased a reciprocating saw from a home improvement store and used it to dismember Bradley’s body, removing his limbs and head before dumping the remains east of Gila Bend, a small town about 90 miles southwest of Gilbert.

Family Involvement and Investigation Insights

The victim’s family quickly suspected Bush’s involvement. Using the Life360 app, Bradley’s mother attempted to locate his phone, which was found to be powered off but last pinged near Bush’s apartment. Further inquiries led Bradley’s family to contact Toyota for GPS data on his vehicle—a move that supplied authorities with crucial location details.

A relative described the final discovery site as “the middle of nowhere,” highlighting how remote and desolate the location was.

“I was told his cause of death was getting shot in the back and that they found him without his head,” said a family member. “And something so cruel and so graphic, like it’s almost crazy to think that somebody is capable of doing that.”

In the same breath, the relative expressed confusion over the motive, stating, “He was Sam’s best friend. He was Sam’s only friend.”

The Victim’s Legacy and Legal Proceedings

Bradley was remembered as a bright and beloved young man, an engineer with a free spirit. A GoFundMe campaign was established (now disabled) to help his family cope with the emotional and financial aftermath of the tragedy.

• Alijah Bradley: Recent graduate and aspiring engineer known for his wild soul
• Body discovered on August 19, 2024, one week after disappearance
• Samuel Bush: Arrested for drug-related charges on August 20 and subsequently charged with second-degree murder

Family members have expressed deep sadness and a lack of closure, emphasizing that nothing can bring Bradley back or undo the pain caused.

“It’s devastating. He was just beginning his adulthood,” Bradley’s aunt told Phoenix’s ABC affiliate KNXV. “I don’t feel a relief or anything because – it doesn’t bring him back – It doesn’t fix anything.”

Looking Ahead: A Community in Mourning

This case underscores the tragic consequences of violent crime and leaves the community grappling with shocking brutality. The charges against Samuel Bush indicate the killing was allegedly planned, further intensifying the gravity of the offense.

The unfolding investigation continues to attract local media attention, including coverage from Arizona’s Family, a collaboration between Phoenix stations KTVK and KPHO. For more details and updates on this case, readers can refer to the original Law & Crime report here.

What Do You Think?

This heartbreaking case raises questions about friendship, trust, and the devastating impacts of violent acts. What do you think about this tragic event? Have you ever experienced or witnessed a story of justice pursued after such a cruel crime? Share your thoughts in the comments below!