US authorities are examining a series of deaths and disappearances involving scientists connected to sensitive nuclear, aerospace and defence research, raising fresh national security concerns.
At least 10 researchers linked to agencies such as NASA, the US Air Force, Los Alamos National Laboratory and major universities have reportedly died or gone missing in recent years. Federal investigators are now reviewing whether any links exist between the incidents.
The FBI is coordinating with the Department of Energy, Defence Department and local law enforcement agencies. Lawmakers have also sought briefings from federal agencies over the matter.
Among the cases drawing attention is retired Air Force Major General Neil McCasland, who disappeared from his New Mexico home in February 2026. Search operations are continuing. Another case involves Monica Jacinto Reza, an aerospace engineer linked to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who vanished during a hiking trip in California.
Several deaths have also added to concerns. MIT physicist Nuno Loureiro was shot outside his Massachusetts home in late 2025. Caltech astronomer Carl Grillmair was also found dead at his California residence earlier this year. Investigations into both incidents remain under review.
Officials have said there is no confirmed evidence so far connecting all the cases. Some incidents may involve personal, medical or criminal circumstances unrelated to national security. However, lawmakers say the number of cases involving experts in advanced scientific fields is serious enough to warrant closer scrutiny.
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