New details are emerging in the Bahamas as investigators continue searching for Lenawee County woman Lynette Hooker, who disappeared over the weekend while traveling by boat.
Her husband, Brian Hooker, remains in custody as authorities investigate what happened.
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Bahamian police say Brian Hooker told them Lynette fell overboard Saturday while the couple was traveling in an 8-foot dinghy from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, and that strong currents swept her away.
Brian’s attorney, Terrel Butler, said her client has been cooperative with investigators and is focused on the search.
“He was very cooperative. And he seemed very sad and heartbroken,” Butler said.
As the case draws attention, Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, said this week she has doubts about the story police say Brian provided.
“I believe that he is heartbroken now, but I feel like, in the moment, maybe emotions were high, and drinks were involved,” Aylesworth said. “I’m still questioning.”
Court documents also show the couple was involved in a domestic violence case in 2015, though a warrant was later denied due to insufficient evidence about who initiated the assault.
Butler said her client denies wrongdoing.
“He has denied those allegations,” Butler said, adding that Brian relied heavily on his wife.
Butler is also raising concerns about what allegedly happened while her client was in police custody.
She said officers took Brian back to the boat where the couple had been living to retrieve clothing.
While handcuffed, Butler said, Hooker lost his footing, fell overboard, and had to be rescued, injuring his knee.
“During the whole ordeal, which was, again, very traumatic for him because he had just had that experience with his wife, he received injury to his knee,” Butler said, adding she has requested he receive medical attention.
Authorities have not announced whether Brian will be released or formally charged.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also investigating Lynette Hooker’s disappearance as search efforts continue in the Bahamas.