Bahamas Bartender Questions Husband's Timeline

The man pouring drinks for an American couple in the Bahamas says the clock is what bothers him, Fox News reports. Ken, a 38-year-old bartender at the Abaco Inn, told the New York Post he served Brian and Lynette Hooker rum and Cokes by the hotel pool on April 3, the day before Lynette was reported missing off Elbow Cay. He said Brian thanked him for the fast service in a crowded bar and stayed for about two and a half hours—but Ken says he never actually saw or spoke to Lynette during that time.

The next night, according to Bahamian authorities, the couple took a small dinghy from Hope Town toward the area where their larger boat was moored. Brian has told police Lynette fell overboard around 7:30pm on April 4, taking the ignition key with her. Investigators say Brian didn't reach Marsh Harbour until about 4am after paddling to shore—roughly eight hours later. Ken, who is from the area, says that's what raises questions for him: The distance is about four miles. "It shouldn't have taken eight to 10 hours to get there," he said, even in 25mph winds. "Even if he was only floating, it should have been a much quicker time."

Brian Hooker has not been charged and was released from custody after Bahamian officials declined to file charges but kept the case open. His attorney says he left the Bahamas on Wednesday to be with his seriously ill mother. Lynette's daughter has also cast doubt on her stepfather's story, and she recently told Fox News she believes he used his mother's longtime illness as an "excuse" to leave the country.