"The family, through the social media page 'Find Melissa Mondragon Casias,' confirmed that the remains were located in the Rio Chiquito area, which they noted had been previously searched."
Remains Identified as Missing LANL Employee
New Mexico State Police have identified human remains found in the Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who was reported missing in June 2025. A handgun was recovered at the scene. The cause and manner of death have not been determined and are pending examination by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Discovery of Remains
On May 28, 2026, a hiker discovered human remains in the McGaffey Ridge area of the Carson National Forest, approximately 15 miles from Taos, New Mexico. State police announced on Saturday that the remains were positively identified as Melissa Casias, age 53 or 54.
A handgun was found alongside the remains.
The family, through the social media page "Find Melissa Mondragon Casias," confirmed that the remains were located in the Rio Chiquito area, which they noted had been previously searched.
Disappearance Timeline
Casias was reported missing on June 26, 2025, after she failed to report for work at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
According to her husband, Mark Casias, he dropped her off at the laboratory that morning, and she stated she was going to another location within the facility to complete a work task. She did not return.
Her daughter later found Casias's belongings, including keys and a cellphone that had been reset to factory settings, at their home in Taos. A family acquaintance reported seeing Casias walking eastbound on State Road 518 that afternoon. Surveillance footage showed Casias walking alone on a highway wearing a backpack, according to her niece, Jazmin McMillen.
Authorities stated at the time of her disappearance that no foul play was suspected.
Investigation Status
The New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office will conduct further anthropological examination to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation into Casias's disappearance is ongoing.
A family representative declined comment until after a meeting with investigators. Los Alamos National Laboratory representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
Broader Context
Law enforcement officials have noted that Casias is one of at least 10 individuals associated with U.S. nuclear and aerospace research who have died or disappeared in recent years. Reported cases include:
- Anthony Chavez, a Los Alamos retiree, who disappeared in May 2025 with no signs of foul play.
- A retired Air Force major general who has been missing since February 2026.
- Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, who was fatally shot outside his home in February 2026; a suspect has pleaded not guilty.
The House Oversight Committee announced in April 2026 it would investigate these cases. The FBI is working with federal, state, and local partners to identify potential connections between the incidents.