The death of Melissa Casias, a 54-year-old worker at Los Alamos National Laboratory, remains unexplained after an autopsy revealed a fatal gunshot wound to the head but could not determine if it was self-inflicted. Casias disappeared in June 2025 from her Taos, New Mexico, home while employed at the laboratory, known for its role in nuclear weapons research.
Her skeletonized remains were discovered on May 28, 2026, by a hiker in a remote area of Kit Carson National Park, approximately a year after her disappearance. A handgun was found near the remains. Casias' daughter reported her missing after finding her mother's phones, wallet, identification, and laptop at home, with no indication of her whereabouts.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator noted that Casias' remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, which hindered the ability to estimate the range of fire, identify other potential injuries, or detect underlying natural diseases. Dental records were used to confirm her identity.
Casias' family has publicly stated their belief that she did not take her own life and has urged for a more comprehensive investigation. A Facebook page dedicated to finding Casias has shared their sentiments, emphasizing their daughter's importance to the family and their commitment to seeking answers.
The circumstances of Casias' death have drawn attention as her case is reportedly part of an FBI investigation into potential connections among the disappearances or deaths of at least 10 federal scientists and staff members involved in sensitive national security research. Other individuals whose cases are reportedly being examined include former Los Alamos employee Anthony Chavez, aerospace engineer Monica Reza, government contractor Steven Garcia, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, who had extensive knowledge of UFOs and advanced aerospace research.