Watch CBS News

Rescue Crews Find Remains Of Missing Sonoma State Student

SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) -- Rescue crews searching the hills of Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa Saturday morning found the remains of a missing Sonoma State University student, the Walnut Creek Police Department said.

The remains were found at about 10:50 a.m.

James Abriel, 19, appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

The weapon was recovered at the scene.

Abriel was last seen in Walnut Creek on April 21 and had been reported missing - and possibly suicidal - by a friend.

A handgun had also gone missing from a Walnut Creek home, and authorities believed Abriel, who had had family in Orinda and Walnut Creek, was in possession of it.

The teen had left suicide notes at school and in Walnut Creek.

His white Toyota Camry was found Thursday night near Annadel State Park, Walnut Creek police Sgt. Tom Cashion said.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office search and rescue team began scouring the area on Friday along with search teams from Contra Costa, Marin and Napa counties.

Cashion on Friday estimated that about 65 people were searching the 5,000-acre park using helicopters, dogs and all-terrain vehicles.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.