Tabloid reports linking 10 missing and dead scientists spur FBI probe

McCasland disappeared about six days after Trump announced that he planned to release files related to UFOs and aliens, the NY Post reported. Police searching for McCasland told the NY Post that they’ve received “some tips with some outlandish theories, conspiracy theories,” but promised that “we will look into everything.”

Another former US Air Force member, intelligence officer Matthew James Sullivan, died in 2024 “before he could testify in a federal whistleblower case about UFOs,” CNN reported. That death is a suspected suicide, but Rep. Burlison told CNN he considered the circumstances suspicious.

Families, lawmaker doubt tabloid links

Law enforcement has yet to find any connections between the deaths and disappearances, with cases varying widely in circumstances, CNN reported. While several scientists’ cases seem to follow a similar pattern, two other cases involve fatal shootings of scientists where suspects have been arrested and charged, CNN reported. At least one member of the House committee launching the probe, Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), expressed doubts that any links will be found.

“The United States has thousands of nuclear scientists and nuclear experts,” Walkinshaw told CNN. “It’s not the kind of nuclear program that potentially a foreign adversary could significantly impact by targeting 10 individuals.”

Families of two scientists have “pointed to preexisting medical conditions or personal struggles as explanations.” Hicks’ daughter, Julia Hicks, told CNN that she couldn’t help but laugh at the conspiracy theory the tabloids have raised, despite the probe suggesting that it’s now “getting serious.”

“From what I know of my dad, there’s no train of logic to follow that would implicate him in this potential federal investigation,” she said. “I don’t understand the connection between my dad’s death and the other missing scientists.”

Similarly, the family of Amy Eskridge—who cofounded the Institute for Exotic Science, a facility experimenting with anti-gravity technology—has pushed back on recent efforts to link her 2022 death to the conspiracy.

“People should realize that scientists die also and not make too much of this,” the family told CNN.

But some lawmakers suspect foul play regardless.

“It’s very unlikely that this is a coincidence,” Comer told Fox News on Sunday, while confirming that the probe would remain a top priority for his committee.