The remains of Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing since June 2025, have been identified in New Mexico. State police announced on Saturday that a hiker discovered her remains on May 28, 2026, in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest, about six miles from her home in Taos. A handgun was found alongside the remains.
Casias, 53, was last seen walking eastbound along a state highway on June 26, 2025. Her disappearance was one of several cases involving US scientists linked to nuclear, space, or defence research that have sparked online conspiracy theories. Former President Donald Trump had called for an investigation into the cases.
Police have not yet determined the cause or manner of death. The investigation into her disappearance remains ongoing. Casias's family said in a statement that she was found in an area previously searched and that they intend to pursue justice.
