Antoinette Forbes has been missing from Washington, D.C., since Sept. 4, while authorities continue investigating her disappearance. Her sister, Aileen, said the family only learned the extent of an alleged abusive relationship after Forbes’ former partner was arrested. The former partner, Russell Ashford, pleaded guilty in 2021 to first-degree assault against Forbes and was later accused of violating probation. Authorities have not identified Ashford as a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance.
| 1) | Family learns of alleged 2021 assault |
| 2) | Court filings describe severe injuries |
| 3) | Ashford’s arrest follows alleged probation violation |
| 4) | Search continues after Forbes disappears |
| 5) | Family asks neighbors to review cameras |
Family learns of alleged 2021 assault
Aileen said she and other relatives were unaware that Antoinette Forbes had been in an abusive relationship until details from the 2021 criminal case emerged after Forbes went missing. The revelation followed the arrest of Russell Ashford, the father of Forbes’ 10-year-old son. Aileen said Forbes may have withheld information because she wanted to protect her family and prevent them from becoming involved with Ashford.
“Antoinette did not tell us at all about the assault in 2021, so just wrapping our minds around that, it’s unfathomable. We can’t really conceive it.”
Aileen said the family is still trying to process the court records and what they describe as a deeply painful account of Forbes’ past.
Court filings describe severe injuries
According to Maryland court filings, Ashford pleaded guilty in 2021 to first-degree assault. The filings say the violence occurred during an argument about the couple’s child’s schooling. Ashford allegedly threw Forbes against a staircase, punched her repeatedly while she was on a kitchen floor and struck her head against the ground at least 12 times until she lost consciousness.
The attack reportedly ended when a neighbor heard Forbes screaming and entered the home. Hospital examinations documented multiple facial lacerations, fractured facial bones, eye damage, a concussion, a broken finger and bruising. Prosecutors said the injuries caused permanent damage to Forbes’ eye and hand.
“The report is horrifying. And to tell the truth, I haven’t had the time to fully process that.”
Ashford was sentenced to 15 years in prison after his guilty plea, but authorities said he served nine months before being released to five years of probation.
Ashford’s arrest follows alleged probation violation
Ashford was arrested in Pennsylvania after a traffic stop revealed an active warrant connected to an alleged July incident. According to authorities, he arrived without notice at his son’s summer camp on July 16, 2026, even though he was not listed as an approved pickup person.
Camp staff reportedly asked Ashford for identification. He allegedly became agitated and forceful with a counselor, leading staff to file a written report. His probation conditions prohibited hostile contact with Forbes or their child. Authorities also said Ashford reportedly took unauthorized overnight custody of the child on the night Forbes was last seen.
Officials have not named Ashford as a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance. His arrest relates to the alleged probation violation and the active warrant.
Search continues after Forbes disappears
Forbes was last seen Friday, Sept. 4, one week before she planned to take her son to visit relatives in California, according to Aileen. She was reported missing Sept. 6 after friends found her dog, car, phone and wallet inside her home, but no sign of her.
The search is focused on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and authorities said it remains active. Officials told the public that they had no new information to release at the time of the report. The case has drawn continued attention from family members and people participating in searches and vigils.
Family asks neighbors to review cameras
Aileen urged residents in the Northwest Washington neighborhood near Forbes’ home to check doorbell and security camera footage from the period surrounding the disappearance. She also asked neighbors to reconsider anything unusual they may have noticed, even if it initially seemed insignificant.
“Just check it, try to jog your memory. Was there something that seemed peculiar that might be something that you can come forward with and offer a detail to the authorities?”
Aileen thanked people who have attended vigils, helped with the search or contributed to the family’s fundraising effort. She said even a small detail could assist investigators in determining what happened to Forbes.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Antoinette Forbes has been missing since Sept. 4. |
| 2 | Russell Ashford pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in 2021. |
| 3 | Authorities said Forbes suffered lasting eye and hand injuries. |
| 4 | Ashford was arrested in Pennsylvania over an alleged probation violation. |
| 5 | Family members are asking neighbors to review security footage. |
Summary
The disappearance of Antoinette Forbes remains under investigation as her family confronts newly revealed details about a prior assault case involving her former partner. Russell Ashford is being held after an alleged probation violation, but authorities have not identified him as a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance. Her sister is urging residents to examine security footage and report any information that could help locate Forbes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Antoinette Forbes last seen?
Forbes was last seen on Friday, Sept. 4, according to her sister. She was reported missing on Sept. 6 after friends found her belongings and dog at her home.
Why was Russell Ashford arrested?
Ashford was arrested in Pennsylvania after a traffic stop revealed an active warrant related to an alleged probation violation stemming from a July incident at his son’s summer camp.
Has Ashford been named a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance?
No. Authorities have not identified Ashford as a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance. His arrest was connected to the alleged probation violation.
What are Forbes’ relatives asking the public to do?
Aileen is asking residents near Forbes’ Northwest Washington neighborhood to review security and doorbell camera footage, recall unusual activity and provide relevant information to authorities.
