HOPETOWN, BAHAMAS (WTVB) – Authorities in the Bahamas arrested 59-year-old Brian Hooker Wednesday night in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker.
The arrest occurred in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, four days after the 55-year-old Lenawee County woman vanished during a nighttime boat trip between Hope Town and Elbow Cay.
While Bahamian police initially announced the detention of an unidentified American suspect, CBS News and other major outlets confirmed the individual as Brian Hooker, who is currently being questioned.
His attorney, Terrel Butler, stated that Hooker “categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing” and has been cooperating with the investigation.
The investigation was launched after Brian Hooker reported that his wife fell overboard from their 8-foot dinghy during rough weather on Saturday night.
According to his account provided to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Lynette fell into the ocean while holding the boat’s keys, which caused the engine to stall and left him unable to reach her as strong currents swept her away.
However, family members, including Lynette’s daughter Karlie Aylesworth, have publicly questioned the narrative, citing her experience as a fit mariner and claiming the couple’s relationship was often volatile.
Ayleswoth says her mother and Hooker had previous physical confrontations, and Hooker had even threatened to throw her overboard in the past
The U.S. Coast Guard has since opened a criminal probe into the case as the search and rescue efforts transitioned into a recovery operation.
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