Human remains found by a hiker in a New Mexico national forest belonged to a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who had been missing for nearly a year. The remains, discovered in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest, were identified as Melissa Casias by the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office.
Authorities reported that a handgun was located alongside Casias’ remains. The Medical Investigator’s Office is expected to establish both cause and manner of death. A family representative mentioned they would refrain from commenting until after meeting with investigators.
Los Alamos National Laboratory has not provided a comment regarding this discovery. The remains were found approximately six miles from Casias’ home, accessible by a state highway where she was last seen on foot on the day she vanished.
Melissa Casias, aged 53, had been reported missing on June 26. Her absence was noted when her supervisor contacted her husband, Mark Casias, as she did not report to work. Mark informed that on the day of her disappearance, he had been dropped off at the laboratory by Melissa, who was expected to complete a task at another lab location but did not return.
Later on, her daughter, Sierra, found Melissa’s belongings, including a reset cellphone and keys, at their home in Ranchos de Taos. Police disclosed that a family acquaintance saw Melissa walking on State Road 518 that afternoon.
Mark Casias revealed that Melissa had been under substantial stress but did not provide further details. Although police have not dismissed foul play, State Police Sgt. Ricardo Breceda previously suggested that it was possible Melissa disappeared voluntarily.
State Police expressed their deepest condolences to the Casias family as the investigation remains ongoing.
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