Missing son of two Missouri judges found dead in California

Alexander Holden was last seen on New Year's Eve in Sacramento

Police confirmed that Alexander Holden's body was found several weeks after he disappeared on New Year's Eve. (Sacramento Police Department)

The son of two Missouri judges who went missing in northern California on New Year's Eve has been found dead.

On Sunday, Alexander Holden's body was discovered near a bike trail in a parkway that runs along the American River, according to the Sacramento Police Department. He is the son of Greene County judges Calvin Holden and Margaret Palmietto.

Police say they don't expect foul play in the 25-year-old's death.

Sacramento police officer Karl Chan told the Springfield News-Leader that Alex's family "finally has closure and can now begin the healing process after what has been a long month".

Judge Holden told the News-Leader that his son was "a great, caring, compassionate person".

The younger Holden was last seen in the early morning hours of 31 December travelling on foot in downtown Sacramento. The Amazon employee had no history of disappearances and was reportedly walking to an old home in Natomas.

He reportedly had first returned to the home he shared with his girlfriend around 11.45pm earlier that night.

Following his disappearance, family and police launched several search parties involving dogs, drones and detectives. His parents travelled to California to help with the search.

Police also set up a tip line to help with the search, and a $10,000 reward was established for information leading to his discovery.

Following news of his death, a "Help Find Alex Holden" Facebook page asked, "Please keep everyone close to Alex in your prayers."