The remains of Melissa Casias, a missing employee of Los Alamos National Laboratory, have been discovered in a remote area of Carson National Forest nearly a year after she disappeared.
A hiker located the body alongside a handgun, but authorities say the cause and manner of death remains undetermined pending further examination.
Casias had been reported missing after failing to return home or arrive at work, with personal belongings left behind.
Her case drew national attention after it was included in a congressional review examining a series of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving people connected to nuclear research, aerospace projects and other sensitive technologies.
Investigators have not identified any link between Casias’ death and the other cases under review, and authorities say inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death are ongoing.
…made to look like a murder/suicide?
Pistol taken along for self-defence?
Mobile phone left at home so she couldn’t be tracked?
Taken down by a sniper at medium range?
WTFK…