Brian Hooker may have left US, friend claims — but former prosecutor says feds likely have him in crosshairs

HOPE TOWN, Bahamas — Speculation is starting to swirl over where Brian Hooker, husband of Lynette Hooker, may be following the mystery around her Bahamas disappearance.

A source claiming to be a close friend of Brian's said he may have left the U.S. by way of the California-Mexico border by land or — possibly — by water.

It is possible given Hooker's extensive boating experience, the source said.

The close friend said, "You're telling me, Brian, 6'4", Marine Corps tattoo, ultra-white hair, smirk of the century — has not had one person at a Safeway, a QT [QuikTrip], or a Buc-ee's, or In-N-Out, spot him?"

Another source, who asked not to be identified by Fox News Digital, said in times past, they had the ability to cross the U.S. border from San Diego, California, into Tijuana, Mexico, for day trips. During those trips, border personnel didn't always require a show of passport, or even ID, the source said.

WATCH: Coast Guard searches for Lynette Hooker

U.S. divers with the U.S. Coast Guard arrived in the Bahamas to search an area in the Sea of Abaco for any new clues that may lead to Lynette.

"There is probably a lot more evidence than what the media or general public is even aware of," said Nicole Parker, former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor.

Brian was initially detained, questioned, then released by Bahamian authorities in April. He flew back to the U.S. shortly after.

When asked about the possibility of Brian jumping the border, Julie Rendelman, former federal prosecutor, current criminal defense attorney, said:

"You can't fail more than if you let an individual who's the subject of a potential murder of his wife, not only leave the Bahamas to go to the United States, but then disappear altogether," she said. "They would have a lot of answering to do. I am going to guess they know where he is, but they are not acting on it until they're more comfortable with their case."

Brian Hooker has not been accused of murder or any criminal wrongdoing. Fox News Digital has repeatedly reached out to his lawyer.

Fox News Digital has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment.