Washington, D.C. — The disappearance of Antoinette Forbes, a Washington, D.C., mother who went missing earlier this month, has drawn renewed attention after her former boyfriend was arrested in Pennsylvania and court records revealed his previous conviction in a violent assault against her.
Forbes, 53, was reported missing over Labor Day weekend after family members and friends became concerned when they could no longer reach her. Her former partner, Russell Ashford, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Troopers on September 12 in Beaver County under a warrant-related arrest provision.
As of September 15, Ashford had not been publicly identified as a suspect or otherwise linked to the investigation into Forbes’ disappearance.
Antoinette Forbes Reported Missing From Washington, D.C.
Forbes was last seen on September 4 in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW, according to information released by authorities.
A friend who visited her home on September 6 reportedly found her keys, purse, phone and dog, but Forbes was nowhere to be found. Her car was also discovered outside the residence.
The circumstances have left her loved ones deeply concerned. Friends describe Forbes as a devoted mother with a career, close friendships and an active family life.
Her friend Holly Wetzel, who has known her for more than two decades, said Forbes had a life she would not willingly abandon.
Family members and friends have urged people across the D.C. region to check security cameras and think back to any sightings that could help investigators locate her.
Ex-Boyfriend Previously Convicted in Violent Assault
Court records show that Ashford was convicted in 2021 in connection with a violent attack on Forbes.
According to a probable cause statement, Ashford repeatedly struck Forbes’ head against the floor during the assault. A neighbor reportedly told police she saw him punch Forbes while she was lying motionless.
Forbes later told authorities that Ashford had hit her head approximately 12 times, causing her to lose consciousness.
The attack reportedly left her with facial fractures, bruising and a concussion. Court documents also indicate that she suffered partial blindness as a result of the assault.
Ashford received a 15-year sentence, but a judge reportedly suspended 14 years of that punishment.
Custody Dispute Involving Their Young Son
The former couple had also been involved in a custody dispute concerning their 10-year-old son, according to court records.
The previous domestic violence conviction and custody proceedings have become part of the public discussion surrounding Forbes’ disappearance. However, the arrest in Pennsylvania does not, by itself, establish a connection to the missing-person case.
Authorities and Forbes’ loved ones continue to seek information about her whereabouts.
Forbes is described as an Asian woman who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.
A fundraiser has been established to help her family cover search-related expenses, legal assistance and emergency needs.
Anyone with information about Antoinette Forbes’ whereabouts is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.
