ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Diya TV) — Authorities in New Mexico are asking the public for help in locating a retired U.S. Air Force major general who disappeared nearly two weeks ago after leaving his home on foot.
Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, 68, vanished on Feb. 27 after walking away from his residence in Albuquerque. Officials say he has not contacted family or friends since that morning. Investigators have expanded search efforts and are working with multiple federal and military agencies to find him.
The case has drawn national attention because of McCasland’s senior military background and past involvement in programs tied to space technology and defense research.
According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, McCasland left his Albuquerque home at about 11 a.m. on Feb. 27. Authorities say he walked away without his cellphone and has not been heard from since. The sheriff’s office issued a Silver Alert the following day. The alert remains active as investigators continue the search.
Officials say McCasland has an unspecified medical condition that increases concern for his safety. However, family members say he was not confused or disoriented before his disappearance.
Investigators have conducted a wide search across the neighborhood and nearby foothills. Authorities have contacted more than 600 homeowners in the area while reviewing surveillance footage and other possible leads.
Search teams have also used drones, helicopters, and specialized search dogs. Volunteers, neighbors, and friends have joined the effort to cover trails and open land near the Sandia Mountains. So far, authorities say they have not found evidence of foul play.
McCasland held several high-level positions during his career in the U.S. Air Force. He studied astronautical engineering and earned degrees from the United States Air Force Academy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
During his service, he worked on several sensitive defense programs. He served as chief engineer for the Department of Defense’s Global Positioning System program. He later became the system program director for the Space-Based Laser Project Office.
McCasland also served as director of special programs at the Pentagon. In that role, he oversaw classified research and development efforts related to advanced defense technologies.
Later in his career, he commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The base has long been linked to rumors involving extraterrestrial debris from the Roswell incident, although the Air Force has repeatedly denied those claims. McCasland retired from the Air Force nearly 13 years ago.
After retirement, McCasland briefly worked with Tom DeLonge, a co-founder of To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science. The organization says it studies information related to unidentified aerial phenomena, commonly known as UFOs or UAP.
Because of that connection, some observers have speculated online about possible links between his disappearance and UFO research. However, his family has strongly rejected that idea. McCasland’s wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, addressed the speculation in a public post. She said her husband had only a brief association with the UFO research community.
She also said he does not possess special knowledge about alleged extraterrestrial materials tied to Roswell. Wilkerson urged the public to focus on helping find her husband rather than spreading rumors.
The sheriff’s office says investigators are coordinating with several federal partners due to McCasland’s background and professional relationships. Those partners include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kirtland Air Force Base. Officials say the cooperation allows investigators to review additional resources and expertise during the search.
Authorities describe McCasland as 5 feet 11 inches tall with white hair and blue eyes. They say he enjoys hiking, running, and cycling in the Northeast Heights area of Albuquerque and the foothills of the nearby Sandia Mountains. Search teams have focused part of their efforts on trails and open land in those areas.
Investigators continue to ask residents and visitors in the area to check surveillance cameras, doorbell footage, and wildlife cameras for any sign of McCasland. Authorities have created a dedicated webpage where the public can upload videos or other information that could assist the investigation. Officials say even small details could help determine what happened after he left his home. Meanwhile, family members remain hopeful that he will return safely.
“We hope he will be found soon,” Wilkerson said, thanking neighbors, volunteers, and authorities who have joined the search.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active as they continue to follow all possible leads in the disappearance of the retired Air Force general.
