Brian Hooker says 'never would harm' wife Lynette as he recounts her disappearance and custody
FREEPORT, BAHAMAS: Brian Hooker spoke after his release from police custody on Monday, about the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, and his experience during police detention in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday, April 14.
He had been taken into custody days after telling Bahamian authorities that Lynette fell off a dinghy on April 4. According to him, she went overboard with the vessel’s key, forcing him to paddle from Elbow Cay to Marsh Harbor Boat Yard to alert police.
Brian Hooker details disappearance and ongoing search efforts
During the interview, Hooker said police directly asked whether he had harmed his wife. He stated, “Of course. I said I’ve never harmed Lynette, and I never would harm Lynette, and I want to find Lynette.”
He declined to provide further details about the incident, saying he could not share anything due to the ongoing search. He described the situation as “chaos and hectic” and expressed concern that additional comments might interfere with efforts.
Hooker also said of planning to hire a plane to continue searching, adding that he had never been apart from his wife for this long in 25 years. He emphasized his determination, stating she “wouldn’t stop,” and neither would he.
In a separate interview with CBS, Hooker reiterated that he “won’t be able to stop looking” for Lynette, adding that individuals have survived for days or even weeks after falling overboard in the Bahamas. He pointed to the region’s numerous islands, sandbars, and atolls as possibilities. He also said the couple had been sailing together for over 12 years and described their boat, Soulmate, as their “floating home.”
Hooker also recounted paddling the disabled boat for hours on April 11 before reaching Marsh Harbor Boat Yard around 4:00 AM, where he alerted a bystander who contacted police. A large-scale search followed, involving divers, drones, and a US Coast Guard helicopter. Officials later described it as a recovery operation.
Investigation, family concerns, and legal developments in Lynette Hooker disappearance
Family members, including Lynette’s daughter Karli Aylesworth, questioned Hooker’s account, describing the situation as suspicious and the couple’s relationship as “rocky at best.” Neighbors in Michigan also described the marriage as turbulent and sometimes violent.
However, Hooker’s attorney, Terrel Butler, rejected these claims, stating that her client denies wrongdoing and has cooperated with authorities. More than a decade ago, Lynette had been accused of striking Brian in a domestic dispute, though prosecutors did not pursue the case.
Records also show she was arrested in 2015 on assault-related charges, but the warrant was denied due to insufficient evidence. In 2006, Hooker was acquitted by a jury of an abuse charge. Bahamian police announced Monday night that Hooker had been released after consultation with prosecutors, who said no charges would be filed “at this time” pending further investigation.
Authorities confirmed he remains a suspect. Royal Bahamas Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles stated that the investigation is ongoing and officials remain hopeful. She added that police questioning did not present new information and that there is still no evidence confirming Lynette’s death, with no body recovered.
Hooker has denied any involvement, with his attorney stating he “definitely denies causing her death” and continues to ask about her while remaining hopeful she will be found.
