Missing government worker and Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias has been found dead in the Carson National Forest, with a report describing her body as “skeletonized” and authorities finding a gun near the remains, including a gunshot woun
When a hiker reported human remains at McGaffey Ridge in the Carson National Forest, it ended a search that had been dragging on for nearly a year for Melissa Casias — a 53-year-old government worker tied to Los Alamos National Laboratory.
New Mexico State Police said the remains were identified as Casias. Authorities also said a gun was found alongside the remains in that area of the forest.
A report adds grisly details. Investigator Thomas McNally, who had been looking into the case for Casias’ parents, told a publication that her body was “skeletonized,” sitting against a tree with a gunshot wound to her skull.
McNally said Casias was wearing “sun-bleached clothing,” and he claimed there were no signs of animal activity on the body.
New Mexico State Police has not announced the cause or manner of death.
Casias disappeared in June 2025, about a year after she dropped her husband off at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he also worked. She had been reported missing since June 26, 2025.
The case had already drawn attention beyond a single family search. McNally referenced that Casias was among at least 10 government workers and scientists who had died or gone missing since 2023.
But McNally insisted Casias’ death is not connected to those other cases. He said, “I want to be emphatic on this point — this is in no way, shape, or form related to her job.”
Even as the investigation moves forward, the family says it may not end there. McNally believes foul play is involved and said Casias’ family is filing a civil suit against the New Mexico State Police, because they believe officials botched the case.
Melissa Casias Los Alamos National Laboratory New Mexico State Police Carson National Forest McGaffey Ridge missing scientist civil suit Thomas McNally