Body of CSUN Student Found in Palm Desert

Originally posted at 5:52 p.m. Oct. 17, 2014. Edited with new details.

A body found on Interstate 10 in Palm Desert was identified today as that of a Saudi-born Cal State Northridge student who was reported missing last month from his San Fernando Valley home.

Abdullah Abdullatif Alkadi, 23, was last seen about noon Sept. 18 in the 9900 block of Reseda Boulevard in Northridge, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Alkadi’s body was found Thursday east of Cook Street, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.

LAPD Officer Nuria Vanegas confirmed that the body was Alkadi’s, but said the Robbery-Homicide Division’s investigation into the death was “at a crucial juncture” and no further information would be released until Chief Charlie Beck addresses the matter at a Monday afternoon news conference.

When Alkadi was reported missing, his older brother, Ahmad, said his sibling sold his car on Sept. 17, but police located it and determined the person who bought it was not linked to the student’s disappearance.

Alkadi’s phone was traced to Beaumont in Riverside County, but it was then deactivated. His brother said he had no ties there.

Alkadi was originally from Saudi Arabia and was studying electrical engineering like his brother.

Cal State Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison released a statement expressing sadness over Alkadi’s death and offering sympathy to his family and friends “at this heartbreaking time.”

“Losing such a promising young life is tragic,” Harrison said.

“We will continue to assist law enforcement in any way we can as they investigate the circumstances of his death. Please join me in supporting the family and honoring Abdullah’s memory during this time of grieving.”

--City News Service

PHOTO Courtesy the LAPD.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY BY SCROLLING TO FIND THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.

Wondering how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.