THIS IS KOAT ACTION SEVEN NEWS. WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS. NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED REMAINS FOUND LAST NIGHT AS THE MISSING WOMAN, MELISSA CASILLAS, FROM TAOS. SHE WAS LAST SEEN JUNE 26TH OF LAST YEAR AFTER SHE FAILED TO ARRIVE AT WORK, LEAVING BEHIND PERSONAL BELONGINGS LIKE HER PURSE ID AND CELL PHONES. AUTHORITIES SAY A HIKER FOUND HER BODY IN THE MCGAFFEY RIDGE AREA OF THE CARSON CARSON NATIONAL FOREST ON THURSDAY. INVESTIGATORS ALSO TELLING US THEY LOCATED A HANDGUN ALONGSIDE THE REMAINS. THE CAUSE OF DEATH HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. JUST AROUND AN HOUR AGO, CASILLAS FAMILY ISSUING A PUBLIC STATEMENT SAYING WE CONFIRM THAT THE REMAINS FOUND IN RIO CHIQUITO ARE. MELISSA. THIS IS A LOT TO PROCESS. OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY AND WE FULLY INTEND TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE ANSWERS AND JUSTICE, THEY WRITE. WE’RE TOLD CASILLAS REMAINS ARE GOING TO BE EXAMINED FURTHER BY THE OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER
NMSP has just now identified remains that belonged to a missing Taos woman, Melissa Casias. According to officers, on May 28, the NMSP Investigations Bureau was notified that a hiker had discovered human remains in the McGaffey Ridge area of the Carson National Forest. A handgun was also located alongside the remains.Through coordination with the OMI, the remains were able to be identified as belonging to Melissa Casias, who was reported missing back on June 26, 2025, after failing to show up for work. Police say she did not return home that evening after visiting her daughter at work. Family later discovered that her personal belongings, including her purse, identification, and cellphones, had been left behind, prompting concern for her welfare and a missing person investigation.An extensive investigation was conducted by NMSP and remains active and ongoing.
NMSP has just now identified remains that belonged to a missing Taos woman, Melissa Casias.
According to officers, on May 28, the NMSP Investigations Bureau was notified that a hiker had discovered human remains in the McGaffey Ridge area of the Carson National Forest. A handgun was also located alongside the remains.
Through coordination with the OMI, the remains were able to be identified as belonging to Melissa Casias, who was reported missing back on June 26, 2025, after failing to show up for work.
Police say she did not return home that evening after visiting her daughter at work. Family later discovered that her personal belongings, including her purse, identification, and cellphones, had been left behind, prompting concern for her welfare and a missing person investigation.
An extensive investigation was conducted by NMSP and remains active and ongoing.
