The daughter of a woman who has been missing at sea for over two weeks has shared her suspicions about her stepfather's role in her mother's disappearance.
Lynette Hooker has been missing since April 4. Her husband, Brian Hooker, told authorities that his wife fell from their dinghy as they sailed in the Bahamas, from Hope Town to Elbow Cay. He said strong currents carried her away and that his wife had the boat's keys, causing its engine to shut off and forcing him to paddle ashore.
Speaking to NBC's Dateline, Karli Aylesworth said she was concerned her stepfather was "going to get away with this." Brian Hooker has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The Context
Brian Hooker was released from police custody without charge last week after being held and questioned for several days in connection with his wife's disappearance. His attorney Terrel Butler previously said in a statement that he "categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing" and was cooperating with authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard has opened an investigation separate from the one by Bahamian authorities.
What To Know
Aylesworth told Dateline, "Part of me feels like he's going to get away with this and walk away a free man, and I really hope that doesn't happen."
"She was a great person, and she didn't deserve this," she added, speaking about her mother.
Lynette and Brian Hooker, who are from Michigan and have been married for more than 20 years, chronicled their adventures sailing around the Caribbean on social media under the name the Sailing Hookers.
Aylesworth has expressed doubts about her stepfather's account of the events around her mother's disappearance. In an interview with NBC News last week, she said it was unlikely her mother, an experienced sailor, would "just fall" off the boat.
She also said the couple's relationship was volatile, with a "history of not getting along, especially when they drink."
In an interview with CBS News, she also questioned how her mother could have been holding the boat's keys when her stepfather typically drove the vessel.
Brian Hooker told NBC on April 14, "I don't think I've ever been apart from her in 25 years for this long." He left the Bahamas to visit his ailing mother but planned to return, his attorney told the outlet on Wednesday.
What Happens Next
Search operations and an investigation are ongoing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could help with the investigation to contact 911, 919, their nearest police station or the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. They can also leave anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477).