William Neil "Neil" McCasland, a retired U.S. Air Force major general and former commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, disappeared from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 27, 2026. He was 68 years old at the time of his disappearance. Authorities issued a Silver Alert because of concerns for his safety related to an undisclosed medical condition. 

According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, a repairman arrived at McCasland's home at approximately 10:00 a.m. and spoke with him. Around 11:10 a.m., McCasland's wife left the residence for a medical appointment. When she returned at approximately 12:04 p.m., McCasland was gone. After being unable to locate him, she reported him missing later that afternoon. 

Investigators determined that McCasland appeared to have left the home on foot. His cell phone, prescription glasses, and wearable electronic devices were left behind inside the house. Missing from the residence were his hiking boots, wallet, and a .38-caliber revolver with its leather holster. Authorities have not determined where he was headed or why he left. 

An extensive search involving the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico State Police Search and Rescue, the FBI, volunteer search teams, drones, helicopters, tracking dogs, and ground crews was launched in the foothills surrounding Albuquerque. Investigators also canvassed hundreds of nearby homes and reviewed surveillance footage from the surrounding area. Despite those efforts, no confirmed sightings of McCasland have been reported since the day he disappeared. 

During the investigation, searchers recovered a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt approximately 1.25 miles from McCasland's home. Authorities examined the item as potential evidence, although members of his family questioned whether it actually belonged to him. As of the latest public updates, investigators have not announced that the sweatshirt was connected to his disappearance. 

Because of McCasland's distinguished military career and previous involvement in advanced Air Force research programs, his disappearance attracted widespread public attention and online speculation. Law enforcement has repeatedly stated that there is no evidence linking his disappearance to his former government work or to claims circulating online. Investigators have continued to focus on verified evidence and credible leads rather than speculation. 

As of the latest available information, William Neil McCasland remains missing, and his disappearance remains under active investigation.

Anyone with information regarding William Neil "Neil" McCasland's whereabouts is urged to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Missing Persons Unit at (505) 468-7070 or submit an anonymous tip through Tip411 by texting BCSO and the tip to 847411.