Missing Cal State Northridge student Abdullah Alkadi's remains found in Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KABC) -- The remains of missing Cal State Northridge student Abdullah Alkadi were found in Palm Desert Thursday night, LAPD confirms. Family members say Abdullah Alkadi was murdered and two people have been detained in connection with the case.

Alkadi, 23, disappeared on Sept. 17 after selling his car on Craigslist. His remains were found alongside Interstate 10 near the Cook Street overpass in Palm Desert at 11:50 p.m. Thursday, according to the Riverside County coroner's office.

Originally from Saudi Arabia, Alkadi has been in the U.S. for nearly four years.

Family members say the U.S. Consulate went to their home Friday morning to tell them about the discovery.

"His cousin and his brother cannot make any statement right now. They're very destroyed emotionally," Abdul, a family friend, said.

His father is now on his way to Los Angeles from Saudi Arabia.

The electrical engineering student, who was reported missing by his brother, had last been seen at his residence in the 9900 block of Reseda Boulevard in Northridge.

His brother, Ahmad Alkadi, said he traced his brother's phone to Beaumont, a place Abdullah Alkadi has no ties with.

A friend of the Alkadi family said, "they are under shock, you know, they couldn't believe what happened. Because they sent their child to study, not to get in situation and involved in a problem he shouldn't have been involved with."

Family members say they have been told two men have been detained in connection with the case.

Instead of preparing for Alkadi's graduation, his family is preparing for his funeral and demanding justice for his murder.

Cal State Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison released the following statement Friday night: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Abdullah Alkadi. On behalf of the entire campus community, I extend our condolences to his family and friends during this heartbreaking time. Losing such a promising young life is tragic. 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."

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck will conduct a press conference regarding the status of Robbery-Homicide Division's investigation into his disappearance and death on Monday afternoon. No further details were released.