Body of Missing Los Alamos Worker Found in New Mexico Forest

<p>The remains of Melissa Casias, a 54-year-old administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory, were discovered in Carson National Forest, New Mexico, on June 4, 2026. Her body was found in a deteriorated state, propped against a tree near an abandoned firearm, with a visible gunshot wound to her skull, according to local officials.</p><p>Casias was reported missing on June 26, 2025. On the day she disappeared, she left her home, located approximately 70 miles northeast of Santa Fe, after dropping her husband off at work. She reportedly wiped her phones and left her identification behind. Her last known sighting was at 2:20 p.m. local time on June 26.</p><p>Thomas McNally, a former homicide detective assisting Casias’ family, expressed suspicion of foul play and indicated that the family may pursue a civil lawsuit against the New Mexico State Police for their handling of the case. McNally noted that Casias and her husband had an argument prior to her disappearance.</p><p>Casias’ case follows other mysterious disappearances of individuals associated with sensitive nuclear or space technology labs. A former Los Alamos employee, 79-year-old Anthony Chavez, also went missing shortly before Casias, although authorities do not suspect foul play in his case.</p>