Missing Worker At High-security Lab In New Mexico Found Dead In Remote Forest

Human remains discovered adjacent to a handgun successful a distant bluish New Mexico wood were identified this week arsenic those of a missing female who had worked astatine a high-security national lab.

Melissa Casias was first reported missing almost a twelvemonth agone from her location successful Taos, N.M., wherever her girl recovered her valuables — 2 phones, wallet, identification, laptop — still astatine home, but Casias obscurity to beryllium found.

Her recently confirmed decease deepens nan enigma astir her disappearance, which is portion of an FBI investigation into imaginable links among astatine slightest 10 dormant aliases missing national scientists aliases unit members progressive successful highly delicate investigation tied to nationalist security. Casias had been an administrative adjunct astatine Los Alamos National Laboratory, wherever nan first atomic explosive was developed and wherever nuclear limb activity continues, her family told section news outlets aft her disappearance.

The quality remains were discovered successful Carson National Forest connected Thursday by a hiker, astir 2 hours northbound of Los Alamos National Forest and 2 hours eastbound of Taos, according to an update from nan New Mexico State Police. Officials said a handgun was located alongside nan remains.

The section aesculapian examiner was capable to place nan remains arsenic belonging to Casias, but nan origin and mode of decease person not yet been determined, authorities constabulary said.

Members of Casias’ family confirmed nan caller uncovering but appeared to person questions astir nan circumstances astir nan death, according to a statement.

“There will beryllium much accusation to travel but what we tin show you now is she was located successful an area antecedently searched,” nan family posted connected a Facebook page that has been dedicated to nan hunt for Casias. “This is simply a batch to process, our hearts are dense and we afloat intend to proceed to prosecute answers for justice.”

Casias was first reported missing successful June 2025 aft she did not return location successful nan evening, though she visited her girl astatine activity that day.

Family members person said they person since reviewed surveillance footage of Casias stepping unsocial successful nan Taos area aft that sojourn pinch her girl but haven’t uncovered immoderate different awesome leads successful nan case.

In a GoFundMe page group up to raise money for a reward successful nan case, her family described Casias arsenic an “amazing daughter, sister, woman and mother.”