A search is underway for retired Major General William Neil McCasland, a 68-year-old former commander of a highly sensitive research site, after he was reported missing in New Mexico last Friday.
The investigation, initially led by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, has now drawn in the FBI, escalating the urgency and scope of the search. McCasland was last seen near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque around 11:00 a.m. on February 27th, prompting a Silver Alert due to concerns for his well-being.
For three years, McCasland oversaw the Phillips Research Site at Kirtland Air Force Base, a facility shrouded in speculation and known for its work with directed-energy weapons and cutting-edge space technologies. This background has naturally fueled intense interest in his disappearance.
Authorities emphasize the FBI’s involvement is standard procedure, offering specialized tools and techniques to aid the local investigation. However, the general’s history and the nature of the facility he once commanded add layers of complexity to the case.
While the search continues, investigators have revealed McCasland exhibits signs of irreversible cognitive decline. This differs significantly from another recent high-profile missing person case – that of NBC personality Savannah Guthrie’s mother – who was described as mentally acute before her disappearance.
Currently, there is no indication of abduction, and the focus remains on locating McCasland and ensuring his safety. The combined efforts of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and New Mexico Search and Rescue are now in their fourth day.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, but the involvement of federal agencies underscores the seriousness of the situation and the determination to uncover what happened to the retired general.
