Overview
- A hiker discovered human remains in the McGaffey Ridge area on Thursday, May 28, and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator has since positively identified them as Melissa Casias.
- New Mexico State Police reported a handgun was found at the scene and investigators are tracing the weapon while processing forensic evidence.
- The Office of the Medical Investigator has not yet determined the cause or manner of death, and state police describe the probe as active and ongoing.
- Casias was reported missing on June 26, 2025 after leaving home and being last seen walking near State Road 518; her family previously found her purse, identification and phones at home.
- The case has drawn wider media and congressional attention because of reporting about other scientists and defense-linked personnel who vanished or died, but authorities have not announced any confirmed links and federal agencies are reviewing the cluster of cases.