Missing Air Force General's Gun, Sweater Found in Search

FBI joins investigation into retired Major General William Neil McCasland's disappearance in New Mexico.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the search for retired U.S. Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, who went missing from his Albuquerque, New Mexico home two weeks ago. While there is no evidence of foul play, investigators have found several unaccounted-for items from McCasland's residence, including a .38 caliber revolver and a gray Air Force sweatshirt located about a mile from his home.

Why it matters

McCasland's disappearance has fueled speculation on social media, with some suggesting he may have gone into hiding due to his past work on classified military programs. The involvement of the FBI and the discovery of the missing items have heightened concerns about his wellbeing and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

The details

According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, McCasland, 68, left his home on foot around 11 a.m. on February 27, while a repairman was at the residence. His wife reported him missing around 3 p.m. that day. Investigators have found that McCasland left behind his phone, prescription glasses, and wearable devices. They have also identified a light green shirt, hiking boots, a wallet, and the .38 caliber revolver with a leather holster as items unaccounted for from his home. On March 7, a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt was found approximately 1.25 miles east of McCasland's residence, though it is unclear if it belongs to him.

  • McCasland left his home around 11 a.m. on February 27, 2026.
  • His wife reported him missing around 3 p.m. on February 27, 2026.
  • A gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt was found approximately 1.25 miles east of McCasland's residence on March 7, 2026.

The players

William Neil McCasland

A retired U.S. Air Force Major General who went missing from his Albuquerque, New Mexico home on February 27, 2026. McCasland is an astronautical engineer with degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy, MIT, and Harvard University, and he previously worked on classified military programs.

Susan McCasland Wilkerson

McCasland's wife, who reported him missing after he left their home on February 27, 2026.

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency leading the investigation into McCasland's disappearance.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that has joined the investigation into McCasland's disappearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is a protocol within the legacy program that if you are one of the people they consider a key personnel and something is happening and they think you are at risk or you are a risk they will come and take you to their facilities and hide you away or if they think you are a threat they will come murder you.”

— Jason Sands, Air Force veteran (Red Panda Koala (YouTube channel)

What’s next

The sheriff's department said it has not received any confirmed sightings or video showing McCasland leaving the area or indicating a direction of travel. The investigation is ongoing, and the FBI's involvement suggests the search may intensify in the coming days.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a high-ranking retired Air Force general with ties to classified military programs has raised concerns and speculation, underscoring the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine McCasland's whereabouts and ensure his safety.