Official suspended during search for missing Chicago woman in Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas – Nearly three weeks have passed since Taylor Casey, a Chicago woman, disappeared from a yoga retreat in the Bahamas.

On Tuesday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force announced the suspension of a senior official involved in the investigation.

The suspension of the Chief Superintendent and senior officer of the Criminal Investigation Department came late last week following a “concerning voice message” that circulated on social media. Officials have not commented further on the contents of the voice message, but expressed concern that it raises questions about the integrity of the police department and its investigation into Casey’s disappearance.

Despite the suspension, the Royal Bahamas Police Force assured the public that the search for Casey would not be affected.

Casey, 41, was last seen on June 19 during her yoga retreat. On June 22, a dog picked up a trail from a tent on the retreat grounds and tracked her to the water, but the trail ended there. Two days later, Casey’s phone was found 50 feet underwater. Investigators are using divers and underwater drones to search the area.

“The results will not come overnight, but rest assured, the investigation is being pursued vigorously. It will not go out the back door. It will not disappear,” said Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Police are also investigating another missing person case involving a 17-year-old who disappeared more than seven weeks ago. Investigators have not said whether the two cases are connected.

Casey’s mother, Collette Seymore, has traveled to the Bahamas to meet with police and U.S. embassy officials and is now asking the FBI to take over the search.