The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a renewed search effort for Lynette Hooker, a Michigan woman who went missing in the Bahamas. This decision follows the emergence of new GPS data from the couple’s boat, the Soulmate, which appears to contradict the account provided by her husband, Brian Hooker, regarding his whereabouts on the night of her disappearance.

Investigation Developments

According to a U.S. official familiar with the investigation, the initial search efforts were focused on the wrong area of the Sea of Abaco due to the information given by Brian Hooker. The Coast Guard is now seeking permission from the Bahamian government to allow divers to search the area again. Concurrently, the FBI is processing evidence related to the case at its Quantico, Virginia facility.

Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, has provided DNA to assist in the investigation. She described her mother as an experienced mariner who had been living on a sailboat after selling her Michigan home four years ago. Aylesworth expressed skepticism about her mother simply falling overboard, citing her experience and the rocky relationship between her mother and stepfather.

Ongoing Investigation

Brian Hooker was initially questioned by authorities following his wife’s disappearance and was arrested but released five days later without charges. His attorney maintains that there is no evidence against him, although Royal Bahamas Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that Brian Hooker remains a suspect. In an interview, Brian Hooker stated, “I’ve never harmed Lynette and I never would harm Lynette, and I want to find Lynette.”

Aylesworth has previously mentioned that her mother and Brian Hooker had a history of not getting along, particularly when alcohol was involved. Brian Hooker’s attorney has denied these claims, asserting his client’s cooperation with the authorities.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.