Authorities have found hiking boots believed to belong to retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland at his New Mexico vacation home, marking a new development in the ongoing search three weeks after his disappearance. Investigators announced the discovery during a March 16 news conference held by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of Disappearance and Search Efforts
McCasland, 68, was last seen on February 27 leaving his Albuquerque home on foot around 11 a.m. He vanished within roughly a one-hour window while his wife was out on an appointment. At the time, he left behind his phone, glasses, and wearable devices, but his wallet, revolver, holster, and a red backpack remain missing. Authorities are still determining whether the hiking boots are linked to his disappearance.
An earlier sighting placed McCasland speaking with a repairman at his home between 9 and 10 a.m. that morning. The repairman described him as being in a “mental fog,” though investigators did not find evidence he was disoriented, describing him as “highly intelligent” and “highly capable.”
Search efforts have been concentrated in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights and the Sandia Foothills, areas McCasland was known to frequent as an avid outdoorsman. Authorities have also recovered a U.S. Air Force sweatshirt over a mile from his home but have not confirmed its connection to McCasland. The FBI joined the investigation on March 3.
Authorities Ask for Public Assistance
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge residents to review home security footage from February 27 to 28 to identify any sightings during the critical window of McCasland’s disappearance. The Silver Alert remains active.
McCasland is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall with white hair and blue eyes. When last seen, he wore a light green outdoor button-up shirt with two chest pockets.
Authorities have not found evidence of foul play but have not ruled out any scenarios. McCasland’s wife disputed online speculation linking his disappearance to his military service or alleged knowledge of extraterrestrial phenomena. Formerly commanding the Air Force Research Laboratory and holding a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from MIT, McCasland retired in 2013.
Anyone with information about McCasland’s whereabouts is encouraged to text BCSO to 847411 or contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Missing Persons Unit at 505-468-7070.
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