Remains found of national lab worker last seen taking lunch to her daughter a year ago

A hiker found human remains next to a handgun in the McGaffey Ridge in the Carson National Forest on May 28, according to the New Mexico State Police. While the Office of the Medical Investigator was able to identify Casias’ remains, no cause of death has been determined.

“We confirm that the remains found in Rio Chiquito are Melissa,” Casias’ family said in a statement posted to a Facebook page established to find the New Mexico mother. “There will be more information to come but what we can tell you now is she was located in an area previously searched. This is a lot to process, our hearts are heavy and we fully intend to continue to pursue answers for justice.”

Casias, an administrative assistant for the federal government’s Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), was reported missing in late June 2025. She never arrived at work, did not return home, and left behind personal belongings.

Her family and authorities previously told Nexstar’s KRQE that Casias drove to work on Thursday, June 26, but forgot her badge. She decided instead to work from home.

In the early afternoon, Casias brought lunch to her daughter in Taos. Surveillance footage showed her leaving the area, Jazmin McMillen, Casias’ niece, said. Casias’ daughter returned home to find her mother gone, but her purse, car, keys, computer, and personal and work phones had been left behind.

Someone later reported seeing Casias walking alone along a highway in Talpa. Ring doorbell cameras caught the moment – it would be the last time Casias was seen.

Family members, law enforcement, and numerous volunteers spent hours searching for Casias, and a reward of $5,000 was offered.

New Mexico State Police say their investigation is “active and ongoing.”