Advanced Energy

The FBI is currently investigating a pattern of deaths and disappearances involving at least 11 scientists since 2022, many of whom were connected to government research, nuclear programs, or aerospace projects. While most cases remain open or lack clear motives, some deaths have been attributed to personal reasons or separate criminal incidents.

Notable Cases in Plasma Physics and Related Fields

Nuno Loureiro: The MIT professor and director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center was shot to death at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, in December 2025. Authorities linked his murder to a suspect connected to a separate mass shooting at Brown University; the suspect died by suicide, and officials stated Loureiro’s death was not connected to his research.

Amy Eskridge: A plasma physicist who worked on anti-gravity technology was found dead in June 2022 in Alabama. Although ruled a suicide, she had sent a text message a month prior stating, “I did not kill myself,” and claiming she was targeted by directed energy weapons. Her case is frequently cited in the broader FBI investigation into mysterious scientist deaths.

Other Affected Scientists: The list of investigated individuals includes Michael David Hicks and Frank Maiwald (NASA JPL researchers), Monica Jacinto Reza (aerospace engineer), and Carl Grillmair (an astrophysicist shot in 2026). Retired Air Force General William McCasland, who oversaw classified space weapons programs, also disappeared in February 2026, fueling speculation about connections to UFO-related research.

Context and Official Stance

President Trump has stated that he hopes the cases are a coincidence, but the FBI has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine if there are organized links between the deaths and disappearances. Many of the deceased or missing individuals had ties to NASA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, or classified military programs, leading to widespread public concern and conspiracy theories, though official investigations have so far closed some cases (like Loureiro’s) with findings unrelated to espionage or conspiracy.