Daughter Alleges Stepfather Preplanned Mother's Bahamas Boat Disappearance
The daughter of a Michigan woman who vanished in the Bahamas after falling overboard during a boat ride with her husband has publicly stated she believes her stepfather "probably preplanned" the tragic event. Lynette Hooker, 55, from Onsted, Michigan, disappeared into the waters near the Abaco Islands on April 4 while traveling with her partner, Brian Hooker, 59, to their yacht in Elbow Cay.
Emotional Visit to the Scene
Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, visited the boat where her mother and stepfather were residing on April 17. "When I first got here, I sat up there and looked at the boat and started talking to her like she was here," Aylesworth told Today. "I was like, 'Hey Mom, I'm here. Wherever you are. I just want to talk to you and see you again.'"
Stepfather's Account and Detention
Brian Hooker informed police that he and Lynette departed Hope Town around 7:30 PM in an 8-foot dinghy. He claimed that Lynette slipped and fell in poor weather while holding the key to the small boat, which allegedly caused the engine to shut off. The Royal Bahamas Police Force detained Brian on April 8, releasing him five days later. His attorney, Terrel Butler, asserted that officials had no evidence against his client, according to Today.
Daughter's Skepticism and Allegations
However, Aylesworth expressed deep skepticism about Brian's version of events. "I hope this was just a freak accident, but I just have a hard time believing it at the moment," she told NBC News on April 9. "I just want to know the truth." She added, "I feel like this was probably preplanned, if anything, like, it doesn't seem like just some accident."
Aylesworth revealed troubling details about her mother and stepfather's relationship, telling Fox News, "There is a history of him choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard. So, the fact that this is actually happening makes me believe there's more to the story." She emphasized, "There has also been a history of domestic violence in that relationship, so I do believe something might have happened to her."
Inconsistencies and Calls for Investigation
Aylesworth highlighted inconsistencies that fuel her suspicions. "It just doesn't add up. My mom is very fit and strong. She's a good swimmer, like, why was she swimming away from the boat?" she questioned. "I'm confused why she has the keys because she never drove the dinghy. It was always Brian. So, the story just doesn't add up right now." She has called for a full investigation into the disappearance.
Stepfather's Response and Status
Royal Bahamas Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles confirmed to NBC News that Brian remains a suspect in the case. His lawyers issued a statement denying any wrongdoing, stating he "categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing and in particular the allegations recently made by Karli Aylesworth." Brian has since left the Bahamas to care for his sick mother but plans to return.
In a voicemail shared with CBS News, Brian told Aylesworth, "Hello, honey, it's Dad. I just got a call from Hope Town Search and Rescue, and they found the flotation device that I threw to Mom when she fell overboard." He broke his silence in an April 8 Facebook post, writing, "I am heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused my beloved Lynette to fall from our small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas. Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus."
As of April 16, Aylesworth reported she had not heard from Brian since his release from custody, adding to the ongoing mystery and distress surrounding her mother's disappearance.
