POLICE NOW SUSPECT FOUL PLAY IN DISAPPEARANCE OF CALIFORNIA WOMAN CHANTEL BROOKS

FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA — More than a month after Chantel “Cici” Brooks disappeared, investigators have made a significant shift in the case, saying they now believe foul play was involved.

Brooks, 36, was last seen in the early morning hours of July 17, and despite extensive searches and investigative efforts, authorities have yet to locate her. Police say they are continuing to pursue multiple leads while working with the Solano County District Attorney’s Office.

HER FINAL KNOWN MOVEMENTS

Surveillance footage captured Brooks leaving her job at Hotel Le Nain in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district around 12:20 a.m. on July 17.

Approximately 85 minutes later, another surveillance camera recorded her near a CVS on East Travis Boulevard in Fairfield.

Police say Brooks was seen approaching her vehicle after leaving the store.

She was reportedly wearing a brown multicolored brimmed hat, a red zip-up sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and brown furry boots.

After that sighting, investigators have been unable to establish her whereabouts.

HER SUV IS ALSO MISSING

Brooks was driving a black 2021 Infiniti QX50.

Authorities say the vehicle was last detected by a Flock camera in Oakland, but investigators have not located the SUV.

That vehicle could be a crucial piece of evidence as detectives attempt to reconstruct Brooks’ movements after her last confirmed sighting.

POLICE HAVE ESCALATED THE SEARCH

Since Brooks disappeared, investigators have executed dozens of search warrants and conducted coordinated ground searches involving search-and-rescue resources.

Authorities have also carried out extensive aerial drone searches covering large areas.

The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, with detectives continuing to follow leads developed during the case.

Police have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence that led them to conclude that foul play was involved.

That leaves a critical question unanswered: What did investigators discover that changed the direction of the case?

FAMILY REFUSES TO GIVE UP

Brooks’ family has continued searching and publicly appealing for information.

Her brothers have said they believe she is still alive and have been working to keep attention focused on her disappearance.

For them, the latest police announcement brings both urgency and new questions.

Authorities now say they are investigating the case as a disappearance involving foul play — but Brooks herself has still not been found.

Every minute matters as detectives work to determine what happened after Chantel Brooks disappeared and where her missing SUV may have gone.

Anyone with information about Brooks, her vehicle or her whereabouts is being urged to contact Fairfield police.