MISSING D.C. MOM VANISHED — THEN HER EX WAS ARRESTED AS COURT RECORDS REVEALED A BRUTAL PAST

Antoinette Forbes, 53, has been missing since September 4. Her former partner, Russell Ashford, was arrested days later on an unrelated warrant as court records revealed a violent history between the pair.

A desperate search is continuing for a Washington, D.C. mother who mysteriously disappeared from her home — while new court records have revealed a disturbing chapter involving her former partner.

Antoinette Forbes, 53, has been missing since September 4, 2026. She was last seen in Northwest Washington, D.C., and authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her.

Then, on September 12, her former partner and the father of her 10-year-old son, Russell Ashford, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police.

But authorities have not publicly linked Ashford to Forbes’ disappearance.

SHE VANISHED — AND LEFT ALMOST EVERYTHING BEHIND

Concern grew after a friend went to Forbes’ home and found her keys, purse, phone and dog still inside.

Her car was also parked outside.

Forbes’ family and friends have said the circumstances were completely out of character for her. Her sister, Aileen, said she and Antoinette had spoken on September 5 while discussing Christmas plans.

Days passed without contact.

Her loved ones began an increasingly urgent search.

Friends have appealed to residents across the Washington region to check doorbell cameras, security footage and other possible sources of information that could help establish where Forbes went.

HER EX-PARTNER’S ARREST RAISED NEW QUESTIONS

Ashford was arrested in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, under an out-of-state warrant.

Court records examined by PEOPLE, WJLA, NBC Washington and The Washington Post show that Ashford had previously been convicted in connection with a 2021 assault involving Forbes.

According to a probable-cause statement cited by WJLA, prosecutors alleged that Ashford repeatedly struck Forbes’ head against the floor.

A neighbor reportedly told police she saw Ashford punch Forbes while she was lying on the floor.

Authorities said Forbes suffered facial fractures, bruising and a concussion and was left partially blind following the assault.

Ashford received a 15-year sentence in that case but ultimately served only part of it before being placed under probation conditions.

 A CUSTODY DISPUTE HAD ALSO INVOLVED THEIR SON

Court records also show that Forbes and Ashford had been involved in a custody dispute concerning their 10-year-old son.

That history has drawn renewed attention as investigators continue trying to determine what happened to Forbes.

However, the connection between the custody dispute, Ashford’s arrest and Forbes’ disappearance remains an area for investigators to establish.

There has been no public announcement that Ashford is a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance.

 “SHE WOULD NOT HAVE LEFT BY CHOICE”

Forbes’ friends have described her as a devoted mother with a close relationship with her son, family and friends.

Her friend Holly Wetzel told PEOPLE that Forbes had a full life and would not simply walk away from it.

The family is now asking people across the region to become “eyes and ears” for investigators — checking surveillance footage and remembering anything unusual they may have seen around September 4 and the days that followed.

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

Forbes is described by police as an Asian woman, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall and 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating her disappearance and has asked anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

A GoFundMe has also been established to assist Forbes’ family with search-related expenses and legal costs.

For now, one question remains unanswered:

Where is Antoinette Forbes?

Her family is still waiting for answers — and hoping that someone, somewhere, has information that can help bring her home.