MISSING D.C. MOM’S EX WAS PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED IN A BRUTAL ASSAULT AGAINST HER — NOW HE’S IN CUSTODY

ANTOINETTE FORBES HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE SEPT. 4, WHILE COURT RECORDS REVEAL A TROUBLING HISTORY BETWEEN HER AND THE FATHER OF HER 10-YEAR-OLD SON

The disappearance of a Washington, D.C. mother has taken a disturbing turn after court records revealed that her former partner was previously convicted in a violent assault against her.

Antoinette Forbes, 53, has been missing since Sept. 4, after she was last seen in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Her family says the disappearance is completely out of character.

Now, the father of her 10-year-old son, Russell Ashford, is being held in Pennsylvania on a warrant related to an alleged probation violation stemming from his previous criminal case.

Authorities have not publicly identified Ashford as a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance.

SHE VANISHED — BUT LEFT ALMOST EVERYTHING BEHIND

Concern grew after a friend went to Forbes’ home and discovered that several personal belongings were still there.

Her keys, purse, cellphone and dog were reportedly left behind, while her car was also found outside the residence.

Those details have intensified concerns among her loved ones, who say Forbes would not simply walk away from her life.

A close friend told PEOPLE that Forbes was deeply connected to her son, friends, career and family — and that leaving without telling anyone would be completely unlike her.

Her family says they were still communicating with her around the time she disappeared.

COURT RECORDS REVEAL A VIOLENT HISTORY

According to court records reviewed by PEOPLE and local news organizations, Ashford was convicted in 2021 after an assault involving Forbes.

Prosecutors alleged that he repeatedly struck her head against the floor. A neighbor reportedly told police she witnessed Ashford punching Forbes while she was on the ground.

Forbes suffered facial fractures, bruising and a concussion, according to court documents cited by WJLA.

The attack also reportedly left her partially blind.

Ashford received a 15-year sentence but ultimately served only part of that sentence before being placed on probation, according to reports.

THE TWO HAD ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN A CUSTODY DISPUTE

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

That history has drawn renewed attention as investigators continue searching for Forbes.

Ashford was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police on Sept. 12 under an out-of-state warrant. WJLA reported that the warrant was connected to an alleged probation violation.

He is currently being held in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, while proceedings concerning his return to Maryland continue.

The child has been located safely, according to reports.

POLICE HAVE NOT LINKED HIM TO FORBES’ DISAPPEARANCE

Despite the disturbing history between the former couple, authorities have not announced that Ashford is a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance.

That distinction remains important as investigators work to establish what happened after Forbes was last seen.

Her disappearance continues to be treated as an active investigation, while police appeal to anyone who may have seen her or captured relevant surveillance footage around the time she vanished.

HER FAMILY IS DESPERATE FOR ANSWERS

Forbes’ loved ones have described her as a devoted mother with a full life and strong connections to her family and friends.

She enjoyed spending time with her son, following tennis and taking part in seasonal activities such as apple picking and trips with friends.

Now, her family is asking people across the Washington region to pay attention to anything they may have seen.

Friends have specifically urged residents to check security cameras, parking areas, roads and other locations that could provide investigators with a clue about Forbes’ movements.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to help with search-related and legal expenses.

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

Every hour matters for a missing person case.

For now, investigators are still trying to piece together Forbes’ movements and determine what happened after she disappeared.

Anyone with information about Antoinette Forbes’ whereabouts is urged to contact the D.C. Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

Her family is still waiting for the one piece of information they desperately need:

Where is Antoinette Forbes?