FBI Investigates Spate of Scientist Deaths, Disappearances

Federal investigators are examining a series of cases involving scientists who have died or gone missing across the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, that it is investigating the deaths or disappearances of at least 10 scientists nationwide, including four linked to the Los Angeles area. Officials described the effort as driven by rising national security concerns.

The FBI said the inquiry is being conducted in coordination with the Department of Energy, the Department of War, and state and local law enforcement agencies. The stated goal is to determine whether there are any connections among the cases. The announcement also follows an inquiry by the House Oversight Committee into the same set of incidents.

Several of the cases cited involve scientists associated with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge, which is owned by NASA. Officials said three of the affected scientists were affiliated with JPL. The House Oversight Committee has requested information from the agencies involved in the federal review, and it has also sought details from NASA regarding the incidents.

The incidents listed include the death of JPL comet and asteroid researcher Michael David Hicks, who was 59 when he died on July 30, 2023. Another case involves JPL physicist Frank Maiwald, who died at age 61 a year later. In both instances, no causes of death were disclosed, according to the information referenced in the federal and congressional activity.

A separate case involves JPL materials scientist Monica Jacinto Reza, who disappeared on June 22, 2025. Officials said she went missing during a hike near Mt. Waterman. The FBI has not publicly detailed what investigative steps have been taken in that disappearance, and it has not said whether it believes the case is linked to any other incident.

Another incident cited is the death of Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, who was fatally shot on February 16, 2026. Authorities said a suspect has been charged with murder in that case. The FBI’s broader review is seeking to understand whether any of the deaths or disappearances share common elements, while multiple agencies and jurisdictions remain involved.

Uncertainties remain because officials have not disclosed causes of death in some cases and have not publicly identified any confirmed links among the incidents. The House Oversight Committee’s requests for information indicate that additional details may emerge through interagency responses and ongoing law enforcement work.