CARSON NATIONAL FOREST — Human remains found by a hiker in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest were identified as those of Melissa Casias, a 53-year-old Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who had been missing since June 26. Casias was reported missing that day after she failed to report for work.
The remains were discovered about 6 miles from Casias’ home in Ranchos de Taos. A handgun was located alongside the remains, according to a New Mexico State Police statement. The New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office is likely to determine the cause and manner of death.
Mark Casias said his wife dropped him off at Los Alamos National Laboratory on the day she disappeared and told him she was going to another location within the lab to complete a work task but did not return as planned. He later reviewed documents showing Melissa was under immense stress at the time of her disappearance, though he declined to share details. Sierra Casias, the couple’s daughter, said she later found her mother’s belongings, including keys and a cellphone that had been reset to factory settings, in the family’s home in Ranchos de Taos.
A family acquaintance spotted Melissa Casias walking eastbound on State Road 518 on the afternoon she disappeared, State Police Sgt. Ricardo Breceda said. State Police did not rule out foul play, including the possibility that Casias may have entered a vehicle on the day she disappeared. Breceda said last year that “it may be the case that Casias disappeared of her own volition.”
New Mexico State Police extended their “deepest condolences to the Casias family.” The investigation into Melissa Casias’ death continues, according to the New Mexico State Police. A representative for Casias’ family said the family would have no comment until after an upcoming meeting with investigators.