Authorities Search for Missing Retired Air Force General in New Mexico

Investigators release new photo of what the 68-year-old may have been wearing when he disappeared from his home two weeks ago.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:50pm

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Two weeks after retired Air Force Gen. William McCasland disappeared from his home in New Mexico, investigators have released a new photo they believe shows what he may have been wearing the day he vanished. Authorities say the 68-year-old, who goes by Neil, was last seen on Feb. 27 and items unaccounted for from his home include hiking boots, a wallet and a .38 caliber revolver with a leather holster.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a high-ranking retired military officer has raised concerns in the community and prompted an extensive search effort involving law enforcement, volunteer search and rescue teams, and the public. Authorities are urging residents to check their doorbell cameras for any potential clues about McCasland's whereabouts.

The details

Investigators believe McCasland left his home in the Albuquerque foothills on the morning of Feb. 27. A repairman interacted with him around 10 a.m., and his wife left for a medical appointment at about 11:10 a.m. When she returned just after noon, he was gone. On March 7, investigators found a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt more than a mile away from McCasland's house, but no blood was detected during initial processing. Authorities say there is currently no evidence of foul play, and every credible lead is being pursued.

  • McCasland was last seen on Feb. 27, 2026.
  • His wife left for a medical appointment around 11:10 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2026.
  • Investigators found a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt more than a mile away from McCasland's house on March 7, 2026.

The players

William McCasland

A 68-year-old retired Air Force general who goes by Neil and disappeared from his home in New Mexico on Feb. 27, 2026.

Susan McCasland

The wife of William McCasland, who stated that her husband does not have Alzheimer's and was not confused or disoriented when he disappeared.

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into McCasland's disappearance and urging residents to check their doorbell cameras for any potential clues.

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What they’re saying

“The dog teams are given different search techniques. The horse team is going to investigate an odor.”

— Lauri Dodge, Search team member (KOAT)

“Neil does not have Alzheimer's and was not confused or disoriented.”

— Susan McCasland (WBAL)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in searching for a missing person with limited initial information, and the importance of the public's assistance in providing potential clues through doorbell camera footage or other means.