Lawyer for Husband of Missing American Woman in Bahamas Shares New Details
Terrell A. Butler, the attorney for Brian Hooker, the husband of missing American Lynette Hooker, provided comments regarding his client’s recent arrest in the Bahamas. Butler has rejected claims of domestic violence made by Lynette’s daughter, Carly Aylesworth, suggesting her emotional state and past health issues might have colored her remarks. He also touched upon the challenging sea conditions that hindered the search efforts.
Aylesworth, who arrived in Great Abaco Island on Thursday, expressed frustration with her stepfather, Brian. She recalled that he was the last person to see her mother alive on April 4. According to Brian, Lynette fell from their dinghy around 7:30 p.m. while they were heading to their yacht anchored at Elbow Quay.
On April 8, Brian was taken into custody by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and spent five days in jail as investigations into Lynette’s disappearance unfolded. He was released without charges on Monday night.
Subsequent to his release, Brian told reporters he planned to stay on the island to aid in the search for Lynette. However, he left for the United States on Wednesday, arriving in Atlanta by mid-afternoon, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Aylesworth criticized Brian, saying, “I think that says a lot about his character. He somehow lost his mother at sea and he left the next day crying on camera, claiming he would never stop searching.” This comment was made as they reached Marsh Harbor, close to the area where her mother went missing.
Upon arrival at the small Leonard Thompson International Airport, Aylesworth and her boyfriend were reportedly met by uniformed police before departing in a taxi.
Butler revealed that Brian intended to visit his mother, who, according to him, is seriously ill. “After being released from custody without charge,” Butler said, “Mr. Hooker now faces the trauma of missing his wife of 25 years alongside urgent news about his mother’s health.” He added that Brian hoped to be by her side during this critical time.
Aylesworth disclosed she was aware of “prior issues” regarding Brian’s behavior, which she felt needed thorough investigation. “If this was indeed an accident, I can understand and live with it,” she said. “However, we must thoroughly consider the facts surrounding this tragic incident before making that determination.”
In the meantime, Bahamian police announced that the search for Lynette would conclude after analyzing the weather conditions, stating they found no further areas to search. The U.S. Coast Guard investigation is still ongoing.
Brian maintains that Lynette’s disappearance was purely accidental, resulting from rough seas and high winds. He expressed profound sorrow over the situation, noting, “I am heartbroken. Despite my desperate attempts to reach her, the wind and currents continued to separate us. Our search for her remains my sole focus.”
