Families of missing or dead scientists give update on FBI investigation as Trump’s deadline nears, shut down conspiracy theories

As the FBI looks into possible links between a string of mysterious deaths and disappearances involving scientists and officials since 2023, several family members of those named in the probe say they do not believe the cases are connected.

The White House had earlier directed the FBI to investigate the mysterious deaths and disappearances of over 10 US scientists and defense personnel, now possibly 12, calling concerns regarding these cases "legitimate."

The unusual deaths and disappearances also drew attention from President Donald Trump, who told reporters on April 16 that it is “pretty serious stuff … hopefully a coincidence, or whatever you want to call it.” Giving a deadline, he also said the public may know within the next week and a half whether the incidents were random or part of something larger.


Several of those involved were linked to institutions such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), while multiple cases reportedly involved the individuals leaving their phones behind, further fueling public speculation. However, relatives of Melissa Casias, Michael Hicks, and Carl Grillmair have pushed back strongly, saying it's not connected and giving an update on the FBI investigation.

Also Read: Who are the US scientists linked to NASA and military research vanished or died under unexplained circumstances

Melissa Casias’ family says she likely chose to disappear

Melissa Casias, an administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, vanished in June 2025.

TMZ reported, citing her family member Paul, that he believes Melissa intentionally wanted to disappear and “does not want to be found.” He also revealed to the outlet that the government has not contacted him regarding any FBI investigation.

Paul added that he sees no reason for Melissa to be part of any targeted operation, explaining that her main duty was “answering phone calls” and that she was not near classified documents.

Michael Hicks’ brother dismisses conspiracy claims

The July 2023 death of Michael David Hicks, a scientist who worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 1998 to 2022, is believed to be the starting point of the theory that several later deaths and disappearances of scientists may somehow be connected.

His brother, Steve, however, told TMZ that the family already knows what happened and is choosing to keep those details private and made it clear that the family does not support the idea that Michael’s death is part of a larger hidden pattern.

Also Read: ‘Haven’t spoken to our relevant agencies’: White House responds while addressing whether missing US scientists’ cases are connected

“He's had great scientific achievements and contributions to the field, and now he's going to be remembered for some baloney, Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot conspiracy theory.”

Carl Grillmair’s wife says killing was an “isolated incident”

Carl Grillmair, an astronomer with Caltech’s Infrared Processing & Analysis Center, was shot on his porch in Llano, California, on February 16, 2026.

His wife, Mary, told the outlet that the killing had a clear explanation and was not linked to any broader mystery.

She described her husband’s death as an “isolated incident” and said the suspected attacker had already been arrested on their property months earlier.

“The perp had been arrested previously on our property in December. He was out for revenge, thinking my husband was the one who called 911 ... so he came back and shot my husband.”

Case count rises to 12 after David Wilcock’s death

The number of cases linked by online speculation recently increased after the death of David Wilcock, a well-known UFO researcher, who died at age 53 in Boulder County, Colorado.

While reporting his death, the Independent wrote, “Wilcock’s death brings the total number of mysterious cases to 12.” Wilcock was known for his role in the disclosure movement, which centers on the belief that the U.S. government is hiding information about extraterrestrial life.

Also Read: ‘Serious issues going on in their lives’: Ex-FBI agent breaks down why missing scientists' cases may not be connected

Following news of his death, tributes poured in online, including from Representative Anna Paulina Luna. “We are praying for his family and loved ones and the millions of lives he impacted,” the Florida Republican wrote on X.


Two days before his death, Wilcock shared an emotional post on X addressed to his “Dear Family,” hinting that he was going through an intense period.

“I am not yet sure if I am doing a show tomorrow,” he wrote. “I've had some very intense stuff going on this weekend.” “Either way, I want you all to know how much I love and appreciate you,” he added. “Always remember that the Creator is within -- and we live in a loving universe.”


A day later, he posted again on the platform, saying he had “slept miraculously well” and was planning to host a live show discussing a picture shared by President Donald Trump, in which the commander in chief appeared to resemble Jesus Christ.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not officially connected any of the cases.