02.06.2026 11:31
The body found in a wooded area in the US state of New Mexico has been identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who had been missing for about 11 months. Officials reported that a handgun was found near Casias, but the cause of death has not yet been determined. As the incident brings renewed attention to the deaths or disappearances of 11 scientists, most linked to nuclear and space research, over the past two years, the US House of Representatives is preparing to launch an investigation into the matter.
The body found in a wooded area in the US state of New Mexico has been identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who had been missing for approximately 11 months. The incident has brought renewed attention to the increasing cases of scientist deaths and disappearances in recent years.
BITTER NEWS OF MISSING SCIENTIST
The identity of the body found in a wooded area in the US state of New Mexico on May 28 has been determined. Authorities announced that the body belongs to 54-year-old Melissa Casias, who had been unaccounted for about 11 months. It was stated that Casias worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, one of the most important research centers in the US.
A PISTOL WAS FOUND BESIDE HER
In a statement made by authorities, it was reported that a pistol was also detected in the area where Casias's body was found. However, it was expressed that the cause of death has not yet been definitively determined, and the investigation is ongoing.
LAST SEEN IN JUNE 2025
Melissa Casias was last heard from in June 2025. Despite efforts initiated after the missing person report, the scientist could not be reached for a long time.
Authorities had stated that Casias did not have her phone and wallet with her at the time of her disappearance.
MISSING SCIENTISTS DEBATE BACK ON AGENDA
Following Casias's death, the incidents of scientist deaths and disappearances in the US in recent years have begun to be debated again. According to information available to the public, 11 scientists, most of whom were linked to nuclear and space research, have either died or disappeared in the last two years. It is stated that 6 of these individuals have died, and 5 are recorded as missing.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
Although US authorities have not confirmed a direct connection between the cases, it is noteworthy that the aforementioned scientists served at national research facilities and held top-level security clearances.
James Comer, Chairman of the US House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, had also announced that they would launch an investigation into the deaths and disappearances of scientists.