WASHINGTON, DC — The search for Antoinette Forbes has entered another stage as relatives, friends and police continue working to find the missing Washington mother. Forbes, 53, was last seen Sept. 4 near the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW, close to American University, and her family says they last had contact with her the next day before communication stopped.
The latest development involves a man with the same name and date of birth as the father of Forbes’ child being taken into custody in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Jail officials confirmed Russell Ashford is in custody, but did not say what charges he faces, describing him only as someone who is “wanted somewhere else.” D.C. police have not said Ashford is a suspect or person of interest, and they have not tied the Pennsylvania arrest to Forbes’ disappearance.
Family and friends say Forbes would not leave her son
Forbes’ relatives have pushed back against any suggestion that she left voluntarily. In a statement shared with 7News, the family said she has been missing since Saturday, Sept. 5, and described her as a mother, sister and friend who would not walk away from her child by choice.
Her sister, Aileen Forbes, made a public plea shortly after the disappearance, saying the situation made no sense. She described Antoinette Forbes as a beloved relative, colleague and friend, and said her 10-year-old son Nathan is the center of her life. A family spokesperson later said the boy is safe.
Friends have also gathered to show support and keep attention on the case, emphasizing that even small details could help investigators. The family has asked anyone with information to come forward rather than assume it is too late or too minor to matter.
What investigators found at the Spring Valley home
Investigators have focused in part on Forbes’ Spring Valley home, where a friend later found her phones, keys, wallet and purse inside. Her car was still outside, and her dog, Max, was alone in the house. Police later spent hours inside the property and spoke with neighbors as part of their inquiry.
Authorities have not said whether they recovered evidence or found a new lead during that work. That silence has left family and friends waiting for answers while police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The Metropolitan Police Department has said Forbes was last seen in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW. A friend contacted police after communication with her stopped, and the family has continued to press for anyone who was in the area to review what they saw.
Custody history and prior assault conviction add context
Court records show a long and contentious custody battle between Forbes and Ashford over their child. Those filings also state that Ashford was convicted in 2021 of assaulting Forbes, leaving her with broken bones to her face and jaw.
A judge imposed a 15-year suspended prison sentence, which allowed Ashford to remain free on supervised probation for five years. Those records do not establish a connection between that case and Forbes’ disappearance, but they explain why the family and the public are paying close attention to the Pennsylvania arrest.
Even with the added attention, D.C. police have not publicly identified any suspect in the missing-person case. The department has not announced an arrest connected to Forbes’ disappearance.
Friends hold vigils and share memories while search continues
As the search goes on, friends have described Forbes as warm, loyal and distinctive. Alison Williams, who said she has known Forbes for nearly 30 years, remembered her humor and style and said it is painful to imagine her missing smile.
Rachel Clark, another longtime friend, said the group is trying to support the family while refusing to give up. She said Forbes would not simply vanish and pointed to the personal items left behind as one of the reasons the case feels alarming.
Friends and colleagues gathered at National Presbyterian Church for candles and prayers, while flyers and online fundraising efforts have spread across the city. The family said those efforts are helping keep momentum going and have asked the public not to stop searching.
How D.C. police want tips on the disappearance
Police have released a description of Forbes as 5 feet, 2 inches tall and about 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Her clothing at the time she disappeared is not known.
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone who was near the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW during the weekend of Sept. 4 to check for anything useful, including doorbell or dashcam video. Investigators say even a small observation could matter if it helps place Forbes or identify suspicious activity around her home.
People with information are asked to call D.C. police at 202-727-9099 or send a text tip to 50411. The family has said it wants Forbes home and is continuing to press the public for help.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.