By Open Chronicle Staff
ALBUQUERQUE — The search for retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland has escalated into a multi-agency manhunt as the 68-year-old has been missing for nearly two weeks. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Kirtland Air Force Base have now joined the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in what investigative journalists are calling a “grave national security crisis.”
McCasland, a highly decorated astronautical engineer who once commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), vanished on the morning of February 27, 2026. He was last seen leaving his home on foot near Quail Run Court NE at approximately 11:00 a.m.
The Search Efforts
Despite an exhaustive search involving helicopters, drones, K9 units, and more than 600 neighborhood door-to-door canvases, authorities have found no trace of the retired general. McCasland, described as an “avid outdoorsman,” reportedly left behind his cell phone, smartwatch, and even his prescription glasses, details that have puzzled investigators.
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Silver Alert: Remains in effect due to an unspecified “medical issue” that requires regular medication.
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Foul Play: BCSO stated they have uncovered no evidence of criminal activity or kidnapping, though they are “considering all possible scenarios.”
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Advanced Tech: Federal agents are reportedly utilizing undisclosed advanced tracking technologies to scour the Sandia Mountains foothills.
UFO Lore and High-Level Secrets
The case has captured international attention due to McCasland’s deep ties to classified aerospace research and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). During his tenure at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, he oversaw programs long rumored by theorists to house extraterrestrial debris, claims the Air Force has consistently denied.
Following his military retirement in 2013, McCasland served as an advisor for To The Stars Academy, the UAP research organization founded by musician Tom DeLonge. His disappearance notably coincides with recent directives from President Donald Trump for federal agencies to declassify records related to extraterrestrial life.
“Not Dementia”: Wife Addresses Speculation
McCasland’s wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, took to social media to dispel rumors regarding her husband’s mental state. She clarified that while he has a chronic medical condition, he does not have dementia and was not disoriented.
“Neil does not have any special knowledge about ET bodies and debris from the Roswell crash,” Wilkerson wrote, attempting to steer the narrative away from conspiracy. However, she added a touch of grim irony to the lack of leads: “Maybe the best hypothesis is that aliens beamed him up to the mothership… though no motherships have been reported over the Sandias.”
As the investigation enters its 14th day, officials are urging residents in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights to preserve and review security camera footage from the morning of February 27.