Sonoma State Student Reported Missing

Police are looking for a missing Sonoma State University student who apparently wrote several suicide notes 11 days before he was reported missing, according to the Walnut Creek Police Department and Sonoma State University Police and Parking Services.

James Abriel, 19, was reported missing to Walnut Creek police on April 25, according to the department. He was last seen in Walnut Creek on April 21, and on campus April 14, just before spring break, police said.  

A friend originally reported that the student, who had family in Orinda and ties to Walnut Creek, was missing and possibly suicidal, said Walnut Creek police Detective Greg Leonard.

Police said they discovered several suicide notes on April 25 detailing a recent break-up, with the notes dated April 14. Police also believe Abriel is carrying a .40 caliber Sig Sauer handgun that was taken from a residence in Walnut Creek.

It is unclear at this point if the notes were found in a dorm room or another residence.

Police have not released information about the Walnut Creek connection, what Abriel was doing in Walnut Creek or where the student is from, but friends have confirmed that he is from the Bay Area.

Taylor Dickinson, a friend of Abriel's, said he seemed fine before he left.

"He was just typical, normal James," Dickinson said. "I'm really concerned, and I didn't know how to react." 

"I knew that they had broken up before, but he said it was for the best," said Dickinson, who also noted that he had accepted a Facebook friend request on Monday, April 25.

According to Susan Kashack, a Sonoma State spokesperson, Walnut Creek police have contacted the university to check if Abriel has been attending classes or was currently living in the residential halls.

Abriel's parents came to campus this week to search for clues to his whereabouts from his peers.

“His friends told them some of his favorite places to hang out and they are pursuing those locations now,” Kashack said.

"His parents still have faith," Dickinson said. "They've posted on his Facebook just asking anyone to call them if they know anything."

Abriel is associated with a white, four-door Toyota Camry with license plate 4GYG766. He is described as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes and is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 180 lbs.

Anyone with any information regarding Abriel's disappearance or current location are urged to call 911 or the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-935-6400, case number 11-13034.