Human remains discovered in a New Mexico forest have been identified as those of Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who went missing in June 2025. The 53-year-old from Taos was last seen walking along a state highway on 26 June 2025, and her remains were found by a hiker on 28 May 2026 in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest.
New Mexico State Police said a handgun was found alongside the remains. The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, and the investigation into her disappearance remains ongoing. Casias was one of about a dozen US scientists linked to space, defence and nuclear research who have died or disappeared in recent months, sparking online speculation and conspiracy theories.
Casias's husband, Mark, who also works at Los Alamos, last saw her on the morning of 26 June after she dropped him off at work. She said she would return the family car by 11am but instead went home, telling her daughter she had forgotten her badge. Mark noted she had already shown her badge that morning. Later that day, she delivered a sandwich to her daughter and was last seen at 2.18pm walking eastbound on a highway near Talpa.
Her family said in a statement: 'She was located in an area previously searched. This is a lot to process, our hearts are heavy and we fully intend to continue to pursue answers for justice.'
