Authorities have confirmed that human remains discovered in the McGaffey Ridge area of Carson National Forest belong to Melissa Casias, a 53-year-old woman who had been missing since June last year. The identification was made by the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office after the remains were discovered on Thursday.


According to New Mexico State Police, investigators also found a handgun near the remains. Officials said the Medical Investigator’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death as the investigation continues.


Casias’ family has not publicly commented on the discovery. A representative for the family said they would wait until after meeting with investigators before making any statements.

The location where the remains were found is about six miles from Casias’ home and is accessible by state highway. Authorities noted that the route matches the area where she was last seen walking on the day she disappeared.


Melissa Casias was reported missing on June 26 after she failed to report for work. Her husband, Mark Casias, previously said she had dropped him off at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where both worked, before saying she needed to complete another task at the facility. She never returned home.


Later that day, family members found some of her belongings, including keys and a cellphone that had reportedly been reset to factory settings, at their home in Ranchos de Taos. An acquaintance also reported seeing Melissa walking eastbound along State Road 518 that afternoon.