Human remains found by a hiker in New Mexico’s Carson National Forest have been identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing for nearly a year. The discovery was made in the McGaffey Ridge area and reported last Thursday. The New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office confirmed the identity of the remains.

A handgun was found alongside the remains, according to a statement from New Mexico State Police. The investigation into the cause and manner of death is ongoing at the Medical Investigator’s Office. Casias’ family has not commented, pending a meeting with investigators.

The remains were located roughly six miles from Casias’ residence, accessible via a state highway. She was last seen walking along this highway on the day she was reported missing. Casias, 53, disappeared on June 26 when she did not show up for work. Her supervisor notified her husband, Mark Casias, who later recounted the events.

On the day of her disappearance, Melissa dropped off her husband at the laboratory, where they both worked. She mentioned going to another location within the lab but never returned. Her daughter, Sierra, found Melissa’s personal items, including keys and a factory-reset cellphone, at their home in Ranchos de Taos. A family acquaintance reported seeing Melissa walking on State Road 518 later that day, according to State Police Sgt. Ricardo Breceda.

Mark Casias mentioned reviewing documents showing Melissa experienced significant stress but didn’t detail further. Police have not ruled out foul play, including the prospect of her entering a vehicle willingly on the day of her disappearance. Breceda previously noted that Melissa may have left intentionally.

State Police have expressed condolences to the Casias family and confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.