A retired major general with a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force has been reported missing in New Mexico. William Neil McCasland, 68, was last seen on February 27, when he left his home in Albuquerque without his cell phone and has since not made contact with family or friends.
Search Efforts Intensify
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office issued a Silver Alert the day following his disappearance. The urgency of the search has increased due to reports of a medical condition affecting McCasland. Authorities have mobilized various resources, conducting neighborhood canvassing and interviews. They have reached out to over 600 homeowners in the area.
Descriptive Details
According to the sheriff’s office, McCasland is described as:
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches
- Hair: White
- Eyes: Blue
His background as an avid outdoorsman suggests that he frequently hikes, runs, and cycles around Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights and Sandia Mountains.
Involvement of the FBI
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office has become involved in the search, working closely with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. McCasland’s military career is notable, including prominent roles within the U.S. military and defense sectors.
Career Highlights
During his career, McCasland held positions such as:
- Chief engineer for the Department of Defense’s Global Positioning System.
- Director of special programs at the Pentagon.
- Commander at the Air Force Research Laboratory, associated with UFO lore.
After retiring nearly 13 years ago, he worked with To The Stars, Inc., a company focused on unidentified aerial phenomena.
Speculations and Concerns
The circumstances surrounding McCasland’s disappearance have led to speculation. Luis Elizondo, a former Department of Defense intelligence officer, expressed concern over the potential targeting of McCasland given his past roles. However, he stressed the importance of allowing law enforcement to perform their investigation without jumping to conclusions.
In a Facebook post, McCasland’s wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, noted that he does not possess any classified information related to extraterrestrial matters, contrary to some public speculation. She thanked the community for support, acknowledging extensive search efforts involving drones, helicopters, and search dogs.
No Evidence of Foul Play
Despite the ongoing efforts, the sheriff’s office has found no evidence of foul play. Investigators continue to explore all possibilities. Community members are encouraged to share any relevant information or video footage that may assist in locating McCasland.
The search for William Neil McCasland continues, with authorities and locals hopeful for a positive outcome.
