Lawyer Defends Michigan Man Arrested in Wife’s Bahamas Disappearance

Brian Hooker, a resident of Michigan, has been arrested in the Bahamas in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, during a boating trip. The case has entered a legal phase involving international jurisdiction and the appointment of local counsel to manage the defense of the suspect.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported the account provided by Brian Hooker regarding the incident. According to that account, Lynette Hooker fell overboard from an eight-foot dinghy during a trip on a Saturday evening. Hooker stated that the boat keys were lost when his wife fell, which stopped the engine and forced him to paddle the vessel to shore.

Legal Representation and Defense

Brian Hooker is currently represented by Bahamas-based attorney Terrel A. Butler. In a statement released on April 9, 2026, Butler asserted that her client denies any involvement in the disappearance of his wife.

Mr. Hooker categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing, and in particular the allegations recently made by [his stepdaughter] Karli Aylesworth. He has been cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of an ongoing investigation.

Terrel A. Butler

Butler informed NBC 5 on April 9, 2026, that she expected Hooker to be transferred to Freeport in Grand Bahamas. As of the morning of April 9, 2026, Butler had not yet spoken directly with Hooker and the exact timing of the transfer remained unclear.

Family Allegations and Background

The legal proceedings are occurring amid public questions raised by Karli Aylesworth, the daughter of Lynette Hooker. Aylesworth has challenged the account provided by her stepfather and has alleged that Brian Hooker had previously made threats against her mother.

USA TODAY reported on April 10, 2026, that police records indicate a history of conflict between the couple. A police report from the Kentwood Police Department describes an incident at the couple’s Michigan home in 2015. According to the report, both spouses were intoxicated and accused one another of assault. Because Brian Hooker was the only person with a visible injury, specifically a bloody nose, Lynette Hooker was arrested on charges of assault and battery and spent one night in county jail.

Court records further indicate that Brian Hooker faced a child abuse charge in 2005. In that case, a jury found him not guilty.

Current Status of Investigation

The investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Hooker remains ongoing. While Brian Hooker has been labeled a suspect and arrested, his legal team continues to maintain his cooperation with the authorities in the Bahamas.