NEWS
Remains identified as missing Los Alamos worker
The 53-year-old was found with a handgun in an area her family says was previously searched.
Human remains found in a northern New Mexico national forest have been identified as a missing Los Alamos National Laboratory worker who disappeared nearly a year ago, authorities said.
Melissa Casias, 53, was last seen June 26, 2025, walking south on State Road 518 from Talpa after she dropped off lunch for her daughter, according to New Mexico State Police. She was reported missing the same day after failing to return home and not reporting to work.
Casias worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, authorities said.
A hiker discovered human remains and a handgun May 28 in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest, about 6 miles from where Casias was last seen, according to New Mexico State Police. The agency announced the discovery in a Facebook post Sunday.
The Office of the Medical Investigator identified the remains as Casias. Officials said the office will determine the cause and manner of death. No additional details were released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
New Mexico State Police offered condolences to the family.
鈥淭he NMSP extend their deepest condolences to the Casias and Mondragon families during this difficult time,鈥� the agency said in a statement.
The agency did not provide further information when contacted about the case.
In a statement posted on the 鈥淔ind Melissa Mondragon Casias鈥� Facebook page, family members said the remains were found in an area that had previously been searched.
鈥淭here will be more information to come but what we can tell you now is she was located in an area previously searched,鈥� the family said. 鈥淭his is a lot to process, our hearts are heavy and we fully intend to continue to pursue answers for justice.鈥�
Casias is one of several people in recent years with ties to U.S. defense or nuclear facilities who have been reported missing or died under unclear circumstances.
They include former Los Alamos employee Anthony Chavez, 79, who disappeared after leaving his home on foot May 4, 2025, about seven weeks before Casias was reported missing.
Another case involved Steven Garcia, a government contractor working for a major facility in Albuquerque, who disappeared Aug. 28, 2025, after leaving his home carrying a handgun and no identification.
