Missing worker at high-security lab in N.M. found dead in remote forest
Human remains found next to a gun in a remote forest in northern New Mexico were identified this week as those of a missing woman who worked at a high-security federal laboratory.
Melissa Casias was first reported missing from her home in Taos, NM almost a year ago; where his daughter found his valuables (two phones, wallet, ID, laptop) still in the house, but Casias was nowhere to be found.
Her newly confirmed death deepens the mystery surrounding her disappearance, which is at least part of the FBI’s investigation into possible connections between them. 10 dead or missing federal scientists or staff Involved in highly sensitive research related to national security. Casias served as an administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was developed. Nuclear weapons studies continuehis family reported local news outlets following his disappearance.
The human remains were discovered Thursday by a hiker in the Carson National Forest, about two hours north of Los Alamos National Forest and two hours east of Taos. update From New Mexico State Police. A gun was found near the remains, authorities said.
State police said the local medical examiner was able to identify the remains as Casias’, but the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.
According to the statement, members of Casias’ family confirmed the new finding but appeared to have questions about the circumstances surrounding the death.
“There will be more information to come, but what we can tell you now is that he is in an area that has been searched before,” the family said. posted on a Facebook page It is dedicated to the search for Casias. “This is a lot to work through, our hearts are heavy and we intend to continue seeking answers for justice.”
Casias was first reported missing in June 2025, after she did not return home in the evening despite visiting her daughter at work that day.
Family members said they reviewed camera footage of Casias walking alone in the Taos area after a visit with his daughter, but they could not find any other important clues in the case.
On a GoFundMe page set up to raise money as a reward in the case, her family described Casias as a “wonderful daughter, sister, wife and mother.”
