Updated Timeline and Description in Search for William "Neil" McCasland
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) continues the missing person investigation into the disappearance of 68-year-old William "Neil" McCasland, last known to have been at or near his residence in the area of Quail Run Court NE on the morning of Friday, February 27, 2026. A Silver Alert remains in effect, and Mr. McCasland remains missing.
As previously stated, Mr. McCasland is a retired U.S. Air Force general. BCSO is the lead investigative agency and continues to coordinate with partner agencies in support of investigative follow up and search operations, including the FBI Albuquerque Field Office when tools, tactics, or techniques can assist. Search resources are coordinated through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and New Mexico State Police Search and Rescue system, with volunteer search teams assisting as requested. Tomorrow marks two weeks since his disappearance.
BCSO is releasing the following verified timeline to provide clarity on what is known. On February 27 at approximately 10:00 a.m., a repairman was at the residence and interacted with Mr. McCasland. At approximately 11:10 a.m., Mrs. McCasland Wilkerson left the home for a medical appointment. At approximately 12:04 p.m., she returned home and Mr. McCasland was not there. His phone, prescription glasses, and wearable devices were located at the residence. Mrs. McCasland Wilkerson began attempting to locate Mr. McCasland and contacted family and friends. At approximately 3:07 p.m., she reported him missing and the investigation began immediately.
As the investigation has progressed, BCSO has identified items believed to be unaccounted for from the residence. Investigators believe Mr. McCasland may have been wearing the shirt shown in the attached photo. The photo depicts Mr. McCasland wearing a light green, long sleeve button-up outdoor shirt. Additional items believed to be missing include his hiking boots, wallet, and a .38 caliber revolver with a leather holster.
Investigators also located a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt approximately 1.25 miles east of the residence on Saturday, March 7. The item was collected and processed. No blood was detected during initial processing, and additional analysis is pending. The sweatshirt has not been confirmed by family or friends to be associated with Mr. McCasland; however, it prompted an additional targeted search effort in the area.
BCSO continues to pursue all credible leads and follow up on every tip received. While there is currently no evidence indicating foul play, investigators are examining all available information as the case remains active. Investigators have expanded a neighborhood canvass to more than 700 homes, requesting security video and information. Additional search efforts have included drone operations, helicopter support, ground searches with Search and Rescue teams, and K 9 searches. To date, BCSO has not received any confirmed sighting or confirmed video showing Mr. McCasland leaving the area or indicating a direction of travel. Search efforts and investigative follow up are ongoing.
The Silver Alert was issued based on information available early in the investigation that indicated Mr. McCasland could be at some level of risk and that additional public assistance was needed to locate him. Due to privacy laws, BCSO will not release medical details or speculate about his state of mind.
BCSO is again asking anyone in the area to check and submit security camera footage from Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, particularly between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in and around Quail Run Court NE and routes leading away from the neighborhood. If you were in the foothills or on trails February 27 to 28, please review any GoPro or phone footage and submit anything that may help.
Video and photos can be uploaded here:
berncosdnm.evidence.com/axon…
Tips can be submitted by calling the BCSO Missing Persons Unit at 505-468-7070 or anonymously through Tip411 by texting BCSO and your tip to 847411.