By The Opinion
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducts an investigation to determine if there is any connection between a series of cases of missing or dead scientists and employees who worked in highly sensitive technological facilities in the United States.
The federal agency confirmed in a statement that leads the search for possible links between these incidentssy that works in coordination with el Department of Energyhe War Department and local and state authorities.
“We are leading the search for connections between the missing and deceased scientists. We are collaborating with the Department of Energy, the Department of War and our state and local law enforcement partners to find answers,” the statement highlights.
Federal investigation and interinstitutional coordination
The FBI said its role is now central to the investigation, following changes in case assignments within the federal government. The agency works together with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which also opened an internal review into the incidents.
FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that the agency will assume operational leadership in coordination with other federal agencies.
Cases under analysis in strategic laboratories
The research includes at least 10 cases recorded in recent yearslinked to non-public from laboratories such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, both related to space and nuclear research.
The cases cover disappearances, deaths and unsolved events in different states of the country.
Change in the FBI’s role in the case
Initially, government sources had indicated that the FBI was not the major agency in charge of the investigations, and that the Department of Energy was taking the case as a priority.
However, laterThe FBI took a leading role in the investigationwhich marked a change in the management of the case within the federal government.
10 cases that the FBI is investigating
Below are the main cases that have generated attention within the investigation:
William Neil McCasland
The retired US Air Force major was last seen in February in New Mexico. His disappearance has been the subject of a search by local authorities with federal support. There are no confirmed signs of crime.
Steve Garcia
Employee linked to the Kansas Metropolis Homeland Security Campus of the National Nuclear Security Administration. He disappeared in August of last year in the Albuquerque area.
Melissa Casias
Former employee of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. She was last seen walking alone with a backpack on a road, according to surveillance records reviewed by family members.
Anthony Chavez
Also linked to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He disappeared in May of last year and his case is still active with a request for citizen support.
Monica Jacinton Reza
Aerospace engineer who worked on rocket engines. He disappeared in June 2025 while hiking in Los Angeles County.
Nuno Lureiro
Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was shot to death at his Boston-area residence by a former classmate who was later involved in another armed attack.
Carl Grillmair
Astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He was murdered at his home in Los Angeles County. A suspect was arrested and later released under judicial circumstances.
Jason Thomas
Company researcher Novartis. Her body was found in a lake in Massachusetts months after her disappearance.
Frank Maiwald
NASA scientist. He died in July 2024 in Los Angeles.
Michael David Hicks
Physicist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He died in July 2023.
Position of authorities and experts
The National Nuclear Security Administration reported that it is reviewing cases related to employees of laboratories, plants and facilities under its supervision.
Current and former officials of the Department of Energy They pointed out that, although the pattern of cases is unusual, there is no evidence that connects the events together or indications of an organized conspiracy.
Security expert evaluation
Specialists in nuclear security and strategic analysis consulted have stated that the cases are dispersed over time, in different institutions and with different circumstances, which makes it difficult to establish a direct relationship.
According to these assessments, the incidents include natural deaths, accidents, suicides and homicides with no proven connection between them.
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