Tragedy struck Maricopa County, Arizona when the body of a 24-year-old man, Alijah Bradley, was found dead east of Gila Bend last month. A suspect, Samuel Bush, 23, has been arrested in connection to the case, as confirmed by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Bradley was reported missing on August 15 in Gilbert before his body was discovered a few days later. The medical examiner has categorized Bradley’s manner of death as a “homicide,” sparking an ongoing investigation by MCSO.

Bush is now facing charges of second-degree murder and concealing human remains, with a bond set at $1.5 million. The developments in this case have shocked the community and raised questions about the safety and security of the area.

The Valley, also known as the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, encompasses various major cities apart from Phoenix, such as Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Gilbert. The Valley’s population, totaling 4,845,832 people according to the 2020 United States Census, makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country.

Maricopa County, where the tragedy unfolded, is the 4th largest county in the United States by population, with 4,485,414 residents recorded in the 2020 Census. Covering an expansive 9,224 square miles, Maricopa County boasts one of the largest park systems in the nation, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

As the investigation into Alijah Bradley’s death continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the repercussions of this senseless act of violence. The safety and well-being of residents in Maricopa County remain a top priority as authorities work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.