Body of Arizona man missing since September found in canal pump station, police say

The remains of a 20-year-old Arizona man missing since September were recently found in Mesa, Scottsdale police say.

Najib “Jubi” Monsif was last seen in his home on Sept. 23 and was reported missing to the Scottsdale Police Department early that morning, according to police spokesperson Aaron Bolin.

Monsif had autism and was “believed to have the mental capacity of an 8-year-old,” Bolin said at a Dec. 14 news conference.

Bolin said Monsif’s neighborhood was searched, as were surrounding desert areas and a canal near his home. Police expanded their search when Monsif wasn’t immediately found, and information about his case spread quickly on social media.

“Searches included the use of tracking dogs, air units, drones, and area searches by officers and deputies on foot, bicycle, and horseback,” Bolin said, adding that police looked at his cellphone, computer and the online gaming communities Monsif participated in for possible leads.

Scottsdale police were notified that human remains were found at a canal pump station last week. The remains were tested and found to be a DNA match for Monsif. There were no signs of foul play, Bolin said.

“We are heartbroken at the development of this case,” he said. “This is not the outcome anyone in our community was hoping for. We all hoped Jubi would be found alive, in good health, and would be able to be reunited with family and friends.”

Detective John Heinzelman said at the news conference that Monsif made comments to his family the day before he went missing, saying that he would never see them again.

Police believe Monsif may have entered the canal within hours of his disappearance, though they’re unsure how he got inside, Heinzelman said.

“It is an outcome, but I personally would have hesitated from using the word ‘closure,’” Heinzelman said. “It’s an answer, but it’s not the final answer.”

Monsif’s father, Najib Monsif Sr., told Fox 10 that his son would have turned 21 next week, on Dec. 22.

“[His birthday] was always the happiest day of the year for the Monsif family for the past 20 years,” Monsif said. “Our angel was only 20 years old.”

This story was originally published December 14, 2021 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Body of Arizona man missing since September found in canal pump station, police say."