FBI investigating deaths and disappearances of staff at secretive government laboratories

The FBI is spearheading an investigation into possible connections linking 10 cases of missing or deceased scientists and staff who worked at sensitive nuclear and space technology laboratories.

Senior law enforcement officials confirm the bureau is leading the effort, coordinating with the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and state and local partners to examine the incidents that unfolded over three years. The FBI stated it is "spearheading the effort to look for connections into the missing and deceased scientists. We are working with the Department of Energy, Department of War, and with our state and local law enforcement partners to find answers."

President Trump addressed the matter last week after a briefing. "I just left a meeting on that subject, so pretty serious stuff," he told reporters. "Hopefully, coincidence... but some of them were very important people, and we are going to look at it."

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the stepped-up role, "The FBI is going to be spearheading the effort, collectively with our partners at the Department of Energy and the Department of War."

Social media has lit up with speculation about a potential plot targeting U.S. nuclear or space programs. The cases involve personnel with ties to Los Alamos National Laboratory and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Among them is retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, 68, last seen at his Albuquerque home in late February. McCasland once commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and briefly consulted on government UFO files. He is one of four current or former employees from sensitive sites missing in New Mexico over the past year.

Other New Mexico disappearances include Steven Garcia, a National Nuclear Security Administration property custodian, plus Los Alamos administrative assistant Melissa Casias and former employee Anthony Chavez.

In California, aerospace engineer Monica Jacinton Reza vanished while hiking in Los Angeles County on June 22, 2025. Five of the 10 cases ended in death, including MIT fusion expert Nuno Lureiro and Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair.

NNSA officials called the pattern at high-security labs "eyebrow raising" and acknowledged foreign espionage risks there.