MISSING DC MOM VANISHES — HER PHONE, KEYS, PURSE AND DOG WERE LEFT BEHIND

Antoinette Forbes was last seen days ago. Her sister says the disappearance makes no sense — especially because nearly everything she would normally need was still inside her home.

A 53-year-old Washington, D.C., mother has vanished without explanation — and the discovery inside her home has left her family increasingly desperate for answers.

Antoinette Forbes was last seen on Friday, Sept. 4, in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Nearly a week later, authorities were still searching for her and asking the public for information.

What happened after that remains unclear.

SHE STOPPED RESPONDING

Antoinette’s sister, Aileen Forbes, said the two women spoke on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 5.

The conversation was ordinary. They were discussing plans for Christmas and working out details for the holiday.

Then Antoinette stopped responding to messages.

Aileen immediately became concerned because the silence was so unlike her sister.

She later sent Antoinette another message after testing positive for COVID. Still, there was no response.

“She loves me, so she wouldn’t not respond,” Aileen told WUSA.

For Aileen, that silence became impossible to ignore.

THEN THEY CHECKED HER HOME

A friend eventually went to Antoinette’s house to make sure she was okay.

Inside, they found several important belongings still there.

Her keys were inside.

Her phones were inside.

Her purse and wallet were also there.

Her dog was still at the home.

And Antoinette’s car remained parked outside.

The combination immediately raised more questions for her family.

Why would someone leave without their phone, wallet, keys or car?

And where could she have gone?

At this point, authorities have not publicly provided an explanation.

“THERE IS NO WAY THAT SHE WOULD JUST LEAVE”

Aileen has described her relationship with Antoinette as exceptionally close.

“We’re practically twins,” she told WUSA. “We’re best friends.”

She said Antoinette is a responsible person and a devoted mother whose 10-year-old son is “her world.”

The family has been left struggling to understand how someone so important to them could suddenly disappear.

“Honestly, we’re in shock,” Aileen told WJLA. “We can’t even believe this is happening. It’s unreal.”

She added that, in her view, there was clearly something wrong because losing contact with Antoinette was so out of character.

POLICE CONTINUE THE SEARCH

Investigators have been actively working the case.

On Sept. 9, police were seen at Antoinette’s neighborhood, going in and out of her home and speaking with residents as investigators continued trying to establish what happened.

The Metropolitan Police Department has released a missing-person bulletin describing Antoinette as approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall and 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Authorities have not publicly stated what she was wearing when she disappeared.

Police have also not announced a confirmed explanation for her disappearance.

A FAMILY WAITING FOR ANSWERS

For now, Antoinette’s family is focused on one thing: bringing her home safely.

Her sister says an entire community is now searching for her and urged Antoinette to stay strong.

“There’s an army right now who are working to recover her, to bring her home safely,” Aileen said, according to DC News Now.

Anyone who may have information about Antoinette Forbes’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

For her family, the unanswered questions are becoming more painful with every passing day.

A mother disappeared.

Her car stayed behind.

Her phone stayed behind.

Her dog stayed behind.

And the people who love her are still waiting for her to come home.