Ex-FBI Agent Shares Theory on Missing Air Force General

Jennifer Coffindaffer believes retired Gen. William Neil McCasland left of his own free will.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a .38 caliber revolver against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the mystery and investigation surrounding the disappearance of a retired Air Force general.The disappearance of a retired Air Force general with ties to sensitive government programs has fueled speculation and intrigue.Albuquerque Today

Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer has shared a theory on the high-profile disappearance of retired Air Force general William Neil McCasland, suggesting that he may have left of his own free will. McCasland, 68, was last seen at his Albuquerque, New Mexico home on February 27, 2026, with his phone, glasses, and wearable devices left behind, but his hiking boots, wallet, and a .38 caliber revolver missing.

Why it matters

McCasland's disappearance has caused a stir in UFO circles, which have suggested it may be connected to his work, despite no confirmation of foul play from police. The case has also caught congressional attention, with one representative suggesting McCasland has 'a lot of information' on UFOs.

The details

Coffindaffer noted that McCasland left key items like his eyeglasses and cellular device, but took a gun and identification, leading her to believe he left of his own volition. She said 'no one took him' and that it's 'quite unlikely that he was taken to extract very dated secrets from him.' McCasland's wife has pushed back against any possible connection between his work and his disappearance.

  • On February 27, 2026, McCasland was last seen at or near his residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • The Trump administration announced plans earlier this year to begin disclosing U.S. Government information pertaining to extraterrestrial life and UFOs.

The players

Jennifer Coffindaffer

A former FBI agent who has shared a theory on the disappearance of retired Air Force general William Neil McCasland.

William Neil McCasland

A 68-year-old retired Air Force general who held high-ranking roles in the U.S. Air Force spanning science, technology and space research, and was a commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base.

Susan McCasland Wilkerson

McCasland's wife, who has pushed back against any possible connection between his work and his disappearance.

Eric Burlison

A Missouri Republican Representative who has suggested McCasland has 'a lot of information' on the topic of UFOs.

Tom DeLonge

The former frontman for Blink-182 and founder of the organization To The Stars, who had a brief association with McCasland after his Air Force retirement.

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What they’re saying

“When I look at that, his age, and also some of the physical situation he was dealing with, I truly believe he left in this situation not to be found again.”

— Jennifer Coffindaffer, Former FBI Agent

“It is true that when Neil was in the Air Force, he had access to some highly classified programs and information. He retired from the AF almost 13 years ago and has had only very commonly held clearances since. It seems quite unlikely that he was taken to extract very dated secrets from him.”

— Susan McCasland Wilkerson, McCasland's Wife

What’s next

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office told Newsweek on Wednesday that there had been no new developments in the case and that it remained a top priority for the office.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing mystery and speculation surrounding McCasland's disappearance, with theories ranging from a voluntary departure to potential connections to his past work in the military and the UFO community. However, the lack of concrete evidence or foul play leaves many unanswered questions.