A number of employees from a secretive government laboratory have mysteriously vanished across the United States, sparking questions about the reasons and circumstances behind their disappearances.
In one striking example, three employees working in New Mexico vanished, each leaving their homes on foot without essential items like wallets or IDs. Additionally, an aerospace engineer from California went missing while hiking near friends.
What ties these cases together? A retired U.S. Air Force major general also left home on foot on February 27, equipped with what looked like a handgun, and has not been seen since.
General Information
Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland held key roles in nuclear science and space research at the Department of Defense. He commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in New Mexico, reportedly associated with the infamous Roswell incident.
McCasland, age 68 and described as an adept outdoorsman, interacted with a repairman at his home in Albuquerque at around 10 a.m. on February 27. His wife, Susan Wilkerson, departed for a doctor’s appointment shortly thereafter, returning to an empty house by 12:04 p.m.
During a 911 call made three hours after his disappearance, Wilkerson expressed concern that her husband had “planned not to be found.” She reported signs suggesting that his vanishing was deliberate, mentioning that all their vehicles were still parked in the garage.
He left behind his cell phone, electronic devices, and glasses, reportedly taking only a wallet, hiking boots, and a .38 revolver. Interestingly, a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt was discovered a mile from his residence, but authorities haven’t confirmed whether it belonged to him.
Representative Eric Burleson (R-Missouri), who had recently communicated with McCasland about UFO research, noted the general’s ties to alien discussions featured in WikiLeaks emails. McCasland seemed to be an insider when it came to UFO information, as reported in emails sent to prominent figures.
In an unusual twist, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the FBI had initially joined the investigation independently, which is not standard procedure. As March approached, FBI agents intervened voluntarily in the case of McCasland’s disappearance.
Employees with High Security Clearance
McCasland had oversight of nuclear research at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where Anthony Chavez, a former research engineer, became another missing person. Chavez, last seen walking from his home on May 8, 2025, similarly left behind personal belongings in his car without any signs of foul play, despite an extensive search.
Further complicating matters, government contractor Steven Garcia disappeared three months after Chavez, also leaving behind his wallet, phone, and vehicle, carrying only a handgun. Garcia, who held a high-security supervisory position, was last seen leaving his Albuquerque residence during the morning hours of August 28.
Authorities reported that there have been no updates in Garcia’s case, which remains active.
Missing Mother
Meanwhile, Melissa Casias, another employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory, was reported missing on June 26, 2025, after dropping off lunch for her daughter. Her last confirmed sighting was on surveillance footage, briskly walking alone. The peculiar timing and circumstances raised concerns for her family, who believe something is amiss.
With her vehicle and personal items left at home, the family’s search for answers has been hindered by a perceived lack of communication from the police. They have hired a private investigator, who found shoes matching Casias’ last worn pair in a nearby forest, now undergoing DNA testing.
Aerospace Engineer
The narrative further unfolds with aerospace engineer Monica Jacinto Reza, who was involved in developing a specialized superalloy for rockets during her time at AFRL. While hiking in a heavily populated section of Angeles National Forest on a Saturday in June 2025, she vanished without a trace just behind two fellow hikers.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department orchestrated a substantial search effort, employing advanced technology and air support, but Reza remains unaccounted for. Investigators are consulting local law enforcement from various jurisdictions to determine any potential connections to similar cases.
