Melissa Casias, a New Mexico government worker missing for nearly a year, has been found dead in Carson National Forest. Her remains were discovered by a hiker and later identified by authorities, with a firearm found nearby. The official cause of death has not been confirmed.
A private investigator for her family said she was found in a remote area, seated against a tree with a gunshot wound, though police have not verified these details.
Casias, 53, worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory and disappeared on June 26, 2025, after last being seen walking near Ranchos de Taos. Reports say she had deleted data from her phone, left her devices behind, and was seen alone shortly before vanishing.
Earlier that day, she had driven her husband to work, later returned home, and then left again, telling her daughter she would work remotely. Investigators have not confirmed whether foul play was involved, and the case remains under review.