Washington, D.C. — The disappearance of 53-year-old Antoinette Forbes has taken another troubling turn after her former boyfriend was arrested in Pennsylvania, while court records reportedly revealed a previous domestic-violence conviction involving Forbes.
Forbes was last seen in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW on Sept. 4, according to the D.C. Police Department. Her disappearance was reported after a concerned friend went to her residence and discovered that her keys, purse, phone and dog had been left behind.
Her car was also found outside the home, according to previous reports.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, Forbes’ ex-boyfriend, Russell Ashford, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver County under the statute of “arrest prior to requisition,” according to online court records.
That type of arrest generally involves someone being taken into custody because another state is seeking them.
However, as of Tuesday, Sept. 15, Ashford had not been publicly identified by authorities as being linked to the investigation into Forbes’ disappearance.
Court records detail previous assault conviction
According to court records obtained by a local news outlet, Ashford was convicted in 2021 of assaulting Forbes.
Local news outlets reported, citing a prosecution filing related to his probation conditions, that the assault left Forbes partially blind.
A probable-cause statement obtained by the outlet described a violent confrontation in which Ashford allegedly repeatedly banged Forbes’ head against the floor.
A neighbor reportedly told police she saw Ashford punch Forbes while she was motionless on the floor.
Forbes later told police that Ashford had struck her head about a dozen times, causing her to lose consciousness, according to authorities. She suffered facial fractures, bruising and a concussion, according to the report.
Ashford received a 15-year sentence but was spared 14 years of that sentence, according to the reports.
Former couple were involved in custody dispute
Court records also reportedly show that Forbes and Ashford had been involved in a custody dispute over their 10-year-old son.
The custody issue adds another piece of context to the circumstances surrounding Forbes’ disappearance, although authorities had not publicly stated that Ashford was responsible for her disappearance or identified him as a suspect in the case as of Sept. 15.
Forbes’ family and friends have continued to appeal to the public for help finding her.
Her sister, Aileen, previously told WUSA that she and Forbes had been discussing Christmas plans when they last spoke on Sept. 5.
Friends say Forbes would not leave voluntarily
Holly Wetzel, a friend of Forbes for more than two decades, described her as someone who had a full life centered around her son, friends, career and family.
“She is a contented person, with her son and her friends and her career and her family,” Wetzel said.
“She would not have left by choice.”
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Wetzel also urged people across the region to pay attention to anything they may have seen or recorded.
“We are calling on the public to really help be our eyes and ears out in the region,” she said.
Forbes enjoyed apple picking with her son, visiting wineries with friends and following the U.S. Open, according to Wetzel.
Police ask public for information
Forbes is described as an Asian female, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
A GoFundMe has been established to help her family with search efforts, legal assistance and emergency expenses.
Anyone with information about Forbes’ whereabouts is urged to contact the D.C. Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.
The case remains active, and authorities continue to seek information that could help determine what happened to Forbes.
Domestic violence support: Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The service is free and confidential.
What do you think people in the D.C. area should be doing to help in the search for Antoinette Forbes? Share your thoughts in the comments.