Federal investigators have reopened the search for Lynette Hooker, a Michigan woman who disappeared in the Bahamas. This decision follows the acquisition of new forensic data indicating inconsistencies in her husband Brian Hooker's account of the events from the night she went missing.
U.S. authorities are seeking permission from Bahamian officials to deploy a dive team to explore new areas in the Sea of Abaco for potential remains of Lynette Hooker. The GPS data retrieved from Brian Hooker's electronic device reportedly contradicts his previous statements, suggesting locations that have not yet been searched. Investigators are also working to extract data from devices aboard the couple's vessel, including an infrared camera, which may provide further insights into the circumstances of her disappearance.
If approved, the new search will focus on an area of the Sea of Abaco with depths reaching 25 feet. The GPS data indicates that Brian Hooker's device was active in the water, stopping in the Sea of Abaco before returning to shore. Family members of Lynette Hooker have provided DNA samples to assist in the investigation, which is ongoing at the FBI's lab in Quantico.
Lynette Hooker went missing on April 4 while on vacation with her husband. Brian Hooker initially reported that she fell from their dinghy during a nighttime boat ride and was swept away. He was detained by Bahamian police for five days but has not been charged with any crime. Investigators previously conducted a search but were unable to locate Lynette Hooker. The couple's sailboat has since been seized by the Coast Guard Investigative Service.