The search for 68-year-old William “Neil” McCasland, missing out of Albuquerque, N.M., since Feb. 27, has extended to the Pagosa Springs area, according to Sheriff John Allen of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in New Mexico.
McCasland was last known to have been at or near his residence in the area of Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque on the morning of Friday, Feb. 27.
There have been no confirmed sightings or videos of McCasland since, according to the sheriff.
The BCSO released the following timeline: On Feb. 27 at approximately 10 a.m., a repairman was at the residence and interacted with McCasland. At approximately 11:10 a.m., his wife left the home for a medical appointment. At approximately 12:04 p.m., she returned home and McCasland was not there. His phone, prescription glasses and wearable devices were located at the residence. His wife began attempting to locate McCasland and contacted family and friends. At approximately 3:07 p.m., she reported him missing and the investigation began immediately.
A Silver Alert was issued and remains in effect, with Allen explaining during a March 16 press release the alert was issued due to his age and that McCasland had previously stated he was experiencing a “mental fog,” though Allen declined to disclose further details.
According to a March 12 press release, McCasland is a retired U.S. Air Force general.
On March 16, Allen noted that a search of McCasland’s Pagosa Springs home had taken place over the weekend, with items that were previously identified as unaccounted for located at the Pagosa Springs residence.
Those items, he noted, include a light green long-sleeve button-up outdoor shirt and hiking books, though the sheriff acknowledged he could have more than one pair.
Still missing, he stated, are McCasland’s wallet, a .38-caliber revolver and leather holster, and a red backpack.
During the press release, the BCSO noted McCasland is a “regimented individual” and had preferences for what he would go out hiking in, adding he didn’t have a “vast collection of clothing.”
The BCSO explained in the press conference that the search is taking place in Bernalillo County and his Pagosa Springs residence.
The BCSO further stated investigators also located a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt approximately 1.25 miles east of the New Mexico residence on Saturday, March 7.
A press release notes, “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.”
According to the BCSO, there is currently no evidence indicating foul play.
The search, the agency has explained, has included a neighborhood canvass to more than 700 homes requesting security video and information, drone operations, helicopter support, ground searches, with search-and-rescue teams and K-9 searches.
How to submit tips
The BCSO is asking anyone in the area to check and submit security camera footage from Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, particularly between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in and around Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque and routes leading away from the neighborhood.
The BCSO further asks if anyone was in the foothills or on trails in the area Feb. 27 to 28, please review any GoPro or phone footage and submit anything that may help.
Video and photos can be uploaded at berncosdnm.evidence.com/axon/community.
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.
randi@pagosasun.com
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