Remains of Los Alamos Lab employee found in New Mexico forest after year-long disappearance

Human remains identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who disappeared in June 2025. The body, found May 28 in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest near Taos, was discovered with a handgun. Authorities have identified Casias, but the cause and manner of death are under further investigation by the Office of the Medical Investigator. At the time of her disappearance, authorities did not indicate foul play; the case has drawn attention to others connected to sensitive nuclear and aerospace research.