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

TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Nearly a year after she disappeared after bringing lunch to her daughter, the remains of Melissa Casias have been located, authorities confirmed over the weekend.

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........

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