08/08/2026
JUSTICE FOR MELISSA — STATEMENT FROM THE MONDRAGON FAMILY
Today, we received another devastating piece of information regarding the death of our beloved Melissa Mondragon Casias.
According to the latest findings from the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI), Melissa sustained a gunshot wound to her head. Because of the advanced state of decomposition of her remains, the circumstances surrounding that gunshot, including whether it was self-inflicted, could not be conclusively determined.
We want to make something very clear:
The Mondragon family AND Melissa's closest friends, do not believe Melissa took her own life!
Those who knew and loved Melissa know how deeply she loved her daughter. From the very beginning, her family has maintained that Melissa would not willingly leave her daughter behind, and they do not believe she would have ended her own life.
The condition and circumstances in which Melissa's remains were ultimately discovered have only raised more questions for her family.
Melissa was missing for approximately 11 months before her remains were found in a remote area inhabited by wildlife. Her family continues to question whether she could have remained in that location, in that position and exposed to the elements and wildlife, for the entire time she was missing. These questions deserve a thorough investigation based on forensic evidence, environmental conditions, wildlife activity, decomposition, and the complete timeline of her disappearance.
The family believes the possibility must be investigated that Melissa's body was somewhere else for a period of time before being transported to the location where she was ultimately found.
They also believe investigators must examine whether the firearm and the circumstances surrounding the gunshot were part of an effort to make Melissa's death appear to be a su***de.
These are serious questions, and the family will continue seeking answers.
The Mondragon family's position has not changed: they believe Melissa was murdered.
These are the family's beliefs and allegations. No individual should be considered legally responsible unless and until the evidence establishes that responsibility through the appropriate investigative and judicial process.
But an inability to conclusively determine su***de does not mean this family will accept a "possibility" of su***de as the explanation for Melissa's death.
Melissa was a mother. A daughter. A sister. A woman who was deeply loved. Her family searched for her, fought for her, and refused to give up on her while she was missing.
They will not give up on her now.
The Mondragon family will continue asking questions.
They will continue pursuing evidence.
They will continue demanding a complete investigation.
And they will continue fighting until they know exactly what happened to Melissa and everyone responsible is held accountable.
Melissa deserves the truth.
Her daughter deserves the truth.
Her family deserves the truth.
And most importantly:
MELISSA DESERVES JUSTICE.
💜 JUSTICE FOR MELISSA 💜
Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten.
If you know anything about what happened to Melissa, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please come forward. Your information could make all the difference.
NM State Police: 505-425-6771
Tip Line: 877-534-6364
Parnall & Adams Law:
Email: [email protected]
Message: Contact them directly on Facebook
Call: (505) 600-1417
