11 space scientists suspicious deaths and disappearances probe: Are these random events or connected incidents, and who is behind it?

11 space scientists suspicious deaths and disappearances probe has moved into a federal investigation stage. The FBI confirmed it will lead a joint review with the Department of Energy, Department of War, and state and local agencies. The investigation follows deaths and disappearances of scientists and officials linked to aerospace, nuclear, and defense research. The White House confirmed it is examining possible connections between the cases. Officials said the individuals had high-level security clearances and access to sensitive research. The review aims to identify common links and determine whether the cases are random events or connected incidents.

11 space scientists suspicious deaths and disappearances probe

11 space scientists suspicious deaths and disappearances probe is now a federal investigation involving multiple agencies. The FBI confirmed it will work with federal and local authorities to examine deaths and disappearances of scientists and officials. Online investigators and lawmakers have raised concerns about possible links between the cases.

President Donald Trump said the individuals involved were “very important people” and called the situation serious. He said the administration expects more clarity within weeks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the review. She said agencies are working to identify common patterns and links between the cases.

Are these random events or connected incidents, and who is behind it?

Investigators have not confirmed any link between the cases. Officials say the review is focused on timelines, professional connections, research access, travel history, and communications. Lawmakers raised concerns about foreign intelligence interest in aerospace and nuclear research. Authorities are also examining personal circumstances, criminal cases, and accidental deaths. At this stage, agencies say there is no confirmed evidence of a coordinated plot, and the investigation is ongoing.

Federal agencies begin joint review

The FBI said it will work with the Department of Energy and other authorities. The review will examine cases linked to sensitive military, nuclear, and aerospace research.

Republican Congressman Tim Burchett said the number of cases appears high within certain research fields. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said foreign governments may seek access to US research and capabilities. Officials said the review includes scientists and researchers connected to major laboratories and research programs.

Timeline of deaths and disappearances

The cases date back to June 11, 2022, when scientist Amy Eskridge died in Huntsville, Alabama. Authorities ruled her death a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Eskridge co-founded the Institute for Exotic Science and worked on anti-gravity research. In earlier interviews and podcasts, she claimed her team faced harassment and psychological pressure related to their work.

Monica Reza disappearance in California

Monica Jacinto Reza disappeared in June 2025 during a hiking trip in Angeles National Forest. She worked as an aerospace engineer and materials processor for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Aerojet Rocketdyne.

She was hiking near Mount Waterman with a friend. The friend said they were about 30 feet apart when they made eye contact. Reza smiled and waved. Moments later, she vanished. Extensive search efforts did not find her body. Investigators noted her professional overlap with retired Air Force Major General William McCasland.

Retired Air Force general missing

William “Neil” McCasland disappeared on February 27, 2026, from his home in Albuquerque. His wife said he left with a handgun, backpack, and wallet. His phone and glasses were found at home. Authorities believe he planned not to be found.

McCasland led the Air Force Research Laboratory and oversaw research connected to unidentified aerial phenomena. His disappearance increased public attention and online speculation.

Scientists connected to NASA research

Michael Hicks died on July 30, 2023. He worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 24 years. He specialized in comets and asteroids and contributed to the DART asteroid mission, the Near Earth Asteroid Tracking project, and the Dawn mission. His cause of death was not made public.

Frank Maiwald died on July 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. He designed instruments for space missions and worked on the Surface Biology and Geology mission. His cause of death was also not made public.

Killing of astrophysicist Carl Grillmair

Carl Grillmair died on February 16, 2026. He was shot outside his home in Llano, California. Authorities arrested Freddy Snyder in connection with the shooting and a nearby carjacking. Snyder had previously been arrested for trespassing on Grillmair’s property while armed. Investigators have not released a motive. Grillmair worked at Caltech’s Infrared Processing and Analysis Center and studied exoplanets and dark matter.

MIT scientist killed in Massachusetts

Nuno Loureiro died on December 15, 2025, after being shot inside his Brookline home. Authorities linked the suspect to a mass shooting at Brown University. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound days later. Loureiro directed MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center and was a global expert in nuclear fusion.

Jason Thomas case

Jason Thomas went missing in December 2025 from Wakefield, Massachusetts. His body was found in Lake Quannapowitt in March 2026. Police said there was no evidence of foul play. Thomas worked as a scientist and director at Novartis.

Los Alamos cases under review

Melissa Casias disappeared in June 2025 after being seen walking alone in Taos County. Her car and belongings were found at home. Her phones had been factory reset. Her family said she planned to care for her mother after surgery and did not plan to disappear.

Anthony Chavez disappeared in May 2025 from his Los Alamos home. His wallet and keys were found inside the house. His car remained in the driveway. Authorities found no signs of forced entry. Chavez worked for decades at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Government contractor missing

Steven Garcia disappeared on August 28, 2025. He worked as a government contractor at the Kansas City National Security Campus. Police initially said he might be a danger to himself after surveillance footage showed him carrying a handgun. Sources later disputed claims about his mental health. Garcia had high-level security clearance and worked with nuclear weapons systems.

White House response and next steps

The White House said the administration is now actively investigating the cases. Officials promised transparency and said no stone will be left unturned. President Trump said the administration expects answers soon. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to lead the search for Monica Reza. Authorities said the review will focus on possible connections between the individuals, their research, and the circumstances of their deaths or disappearances.

11 space scientists suspicious deaths and disappearances probe raises national security concerns

Lawmakers say foreign governments may seek access to US research. Officials said the investigation will examine whether the cases are random or connected. Agencies will continue to share updates as the review continues.

FAQs

Q1. Why is the US government investigating the scientists’ cases?
The investigation began after deaths and disappearances of scientists with security clearance raised questions. Officials want to identify connections, determine risks to national security, and confirm whether the incidents are linked.

Q2. When will the FBI investigation release findings?
Officials expect updates in the coming weeks. The White House said agencies are working together and promised transparency while reviewing all available evidence and connections.