Weird True Crime

06/12/2026

Please see the following message from the Mondragon family.

‼️JUSTICE FOR MELISSA‼️
On Saturday, May 30th, we received the worst news any parent could ever hear. After 11 months of searching and holding onto hope, our beloved Melissa was found. Sadly, our worst nightmare had become a reality.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in our community who supported us throughout our desperate search. 🙏🏼Your prayers, kindness, encouragement, and unwavering efforts gave us strength during the most difficult time of our lives. We will forever be grateful for the love and compassion you showed our family.
Melissa's father, Jose “Gia”, wants to share how deeply he misses his daughter. He fondly remembers teaching Melissa how to ride and handle horses, placing her first fishing rod in her hands, and sharing with her his love for the mountains of Northern New Mexico. ⛰️Those special moments and memories will remain in his heart forever.
Melissa's mother, JoAnne, loved her longer than anyone. For 53 years and 9 months, Melissa grew beneath her heart ❤️before the rest of the world had the privilege of knowing her. From the moment she learned she was carrying her daughter, JoAnne loved her fiercely and unconditionally. She tenderly cared for Melissa as an infant, watched her grow into a young woman, and filled her childhood with love and guidance. She lovingly curled Melissa's hair into ringlets, taught her how to dance, and taught her how to read📚—a gift that became a lifelong passion and brought Melissa joy throughout her life.
Melissa touched the lives of so many with her spirit, her kindness, and her love of the outdoors. Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the memories we shared with her and in the outpouring of support from those who loved her.
Thank you for standing with us, for never giving up hope, and for helping us bring Melissa home. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn this profound loss and celebrate Melissa's life.
If you have any information at all, even from before her disappearance, please report it:
🚔NM State Police: 505-425-6771
📞Tip Line: 877-534-6364
➡️Emerald Eye Investigations 623-203-1361 ⬅️
We also have a GoFundMe set up to support seeking justice for Melissa:
gofundme.com/f/join-the-search-for-melissa-casias

06/04/2026

These are the facts we know so far surrounding Melissa Mondragon Casias’ disappearance and death. All information has been provided in recorded phone calls, video, or text messages, and given to the NMSP.

There has already been a lot of misinformation spread by media outlets. Please make sure to choose ethical news sources and show respect to Melissa’s family during this difficult time.

Find Melissa Mondragon Casias
Tracking The Case: Melissa Mondragon Casias

06/03/2026

Please see the statement from the family, below.

Over the last 11 months we as a family have gathered and documented factual evidence and witness statements that point in one direction and one direction only. Although all evidence (including a witness to a confession) has implicated Melissa's husband as the main suspect in her murder, we must state "Allegedly " for legal purposes.

We have been providing all pertinent information to the New Mexico State Police. We expect that now that Melissa’s body has been recovered, in an area we had already searched, that the New Mexico State Police will take our mound of evidence seriously and stop going with Mark’s narrative that she simply walked away.

We do not believe and will not accept this tragedy be ruled a su***de and there is absolutely no evidence that indicates such.

We want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, compassion and love throughout this unimaginably painful 11 months. Thank you for loving Melissa. Now that she’s been found, let’s pray for justice.

05/31/2026

An official statement from the family of Melissa Mondragon Casias: “We confirm that the remains found in Rio Chiquito are Melissa. There will be more information to come but what we can tell you now is she was located in an area previously searched. This is a lot to process, our hearts are heavy and we fully intend to continue to pursue answers for justice."

05/31/2026

The family has provided an official statement. Please give them respect during this time.

05/26/2026