The mystery surrounding the death of former Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employee Melissa Casias has deepened after an initial CT scan reportedly found no bullets or projectiles in her skull, despite a handgun being discovered near her remains.According to Los Angeles Magazine, investigators found Casias' remains in a skeletonized condition after a hiker discovered her body in New Mexico last month, nearly a year after she disappeared. The publication's contributor, Lauren Conlin, shared a screenshot of correspondence stating that "the initial CT scan did not reveal any projectiles in the skull."— conlin_lauren (@conlin_lauren) The development has renewed interest in a case that gained national and somewhat global attention earlier this year after being linked online to the so-called "missing scientists" theory, a controversial narrative involving the strings of deaths and disappearances of roughly 10 to 12 people connected to US defense, nuclear, and aerospace research programs. The speculation eventually drew the attention of President Donald Trump and prompted a House Oversight Committee inquiry into the cases.However, authorities have continued to stress that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached regarding how Casias died. “The New Mexico State Police is awaiting the Office of the Medical Investigator’s official determination regarding the cause and manner of death before drawing any conclusions,” the agency told Los Angeles Magazine.Police added that investigators are continuing to examine all possibilities. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” state police said. “The New Mexico State Police continue to pursue relevant investigative leads while also following the facts and evidence in the case.”Questions emerge after reported CT scan findingsThe reported CT scan findings have fueled further discussion about the case. Los Angeles Magazine contributor Lauren Conlin said the latest developments make it more difficult to conclude that Casias died by suicide, a possibility investigators have not ruled out.Conlin noted that she never believed Casias had taken her own life, pointing to details surrounding her disappearance, including the fact that she reportedly took her toothbrush and thyroid medication with her.“The scene initially appeared to point to suicide, but with no bullets located in the skull…Casias’ case is especially chilling. Was the scene staged?” the contributor wondered.Timeline of Melissa Casias' disappearanceBefore her disappearance, Casias worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the New Mexico research facility known for leading US defensive nuclear research and for its historic role in developing the world's first atomic weapons during World War II.On June 26, 2025, Melissa Casias was reported missing after she failed to report for work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where both she and her husband, Mark Casias, were employed.According to previous reports, she dropped her husband off at the laboratory that morning and also stopped to deliver a sandwich to her daughter at work.Later that day, family members discovered many of her personal belongings at the family's Ranchos de Taos home, including her purse, keys, vehicle and cell phones.According to statements previously made by her daughter, Sierra Casias, both phones had reportedly been reset to factory settings. Sierra also told the Crime Junkie Podcast that her mother had taken her thyroid medication and toothbrush with her. Her remains were ultimately discovered in New Mexico nearly a year later.Case became part of 'missing scientists' conspiracy theoryCasias' disappearance became one of the most discussed cases connected to an online conspiracy theory involving a group of approximately 10 to 12 individuals with ties to US defense, nuclear and aerospace research institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.The theory suggests the deaths and disappearances may be linked to the individuals' work. However, federal investigators and family members have repeatedly stated that the cases appear to be unrelated incidents rather than part of a coordinated pattern.Among the cases frequently cited online are retired US Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, who disappeared from his Albuquerque home in February 2026 and remains missing; former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer Monica Reza, who disappeared while hiking in California in 2025; and Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, who was fatally shot during an alleged burglary in February 2026.