Full Breakdown
Disappearance of Retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland
3/15/2026, 9:02:00 PM
Timeline of Events
William Neil McCasland, a 68-year-old retired U.S. Air Force major general, was last seen on February 27, 2023, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, left for a medical appointment around 11:10 a.m., and upon her return at approximately 12:04 p.m., McCasland was missing. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) reported that he left behind his phone, prescription glasses, and wearable devices, while his hiking boots, wallet, and a .38 caliber revolver were unaccounted for. A Silver Alert was issued the following day due to concerns over his unspecified medical issues.
Search efforts have involved local law enforcement, the FBI, and community volunteers, utilizing drones, helicopters, and K9 units. Investigators have canvassed over 700 homes and requested security footage from the area, but as of now, there have been no confirmed sightings of McCasland.
Background of William Neil McCasland
McCasland has a distinguished military background, having served in various high-level positions, including commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He holds degrees in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career included significant roles in the Department of Defense's Global Positioning System program and other classified projects.
Following his retirement in 2013, McCasland briefly collaborated with Tom DeLonge, the former frontman of Blink-182, on UFO-related projects through the organization To The Stars, Inc. However, his wife has emphasized that he does not possess any special knowledge regarding extraterrestrial matters or classified information related to UFOs.
Official Statements & Responses
The BCSO has stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play in McCasland's disappearance. Sheriff John Allen expressed that the priority remains finding McCasland safely and urged the public to assist by providing any relevant information. Wilkerson has publicly refuted various rumors surrounding her husband's health and potential motives for his disappearance, clarifying that he does not have dementia and that speculation regarding his ties to the UFO community is unfounded.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the ongoing search efforts, some community members and observers have expressed concern over the handling of the case, particularly regarding the dissemination of information. Wilkerson has criticized media reports for spreading misinformation about her husband, including assumptions about his mental state and the implications of his military background.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the BCSO has stated there is no evidence of foul play, some social media speculation suggests that McCasland may have gone into hiding or been abducted due to his past associations with UFO research. However, these theories lack substantiation, and law enforcement has not confirmed any such scenarios.
What's Next
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to pursue leads and analyze any new information that may arise. The BCSO has encouraged anyone with potential insights or video footage from the time of McCasland's disappearance to come forward. As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for his safe return.
