Missing Fil-Am mom’s ex-partner arrested as search continues
Antoinette Forbes and her son | Photo from GoFundMe
WASHINGTON — The former partner of missing Filipino American mother Antoinette Forbes has been arrested in Pennsylvania for an alleged probation violation stemming from a Maryland assault case involving Forbes, authorities said.
Russell Ashford, the father of Forbes’ 10-year-old son, was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania on Saturday, according to Pennsylvania State Police. He was wanted on an out-of-state warrant for allegedly violating the terms of his probation in Maryland.
The arrest comes as authorities continue searching for Forbes, 53, who was last seen at about 3 p.m. Sept. 4 in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW in Washington, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Antoinette Forbes | Photo from GoFundMe
Ashford has not been named a suspect in Forbes’ disappearance, and he has not been charged in connection with the case.
Court records cited by NBC Washington show that Ashford was placed on probation after pleading guilty to assaulting Forbes in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in 2021.
Antoinette Forbes (2nd from left) | Photo from GoFundMe
According to the records, a neighbor testified that he heard the couple arguing and became concerned enough to take their son into his home. The neighbor later heard a thump, went into Forbes’ home and saw Ashford throwing closed-fist punches at her.
Ashford received probation before judgment in the case.
The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office said Ashford is expected to be extradited to Maryland and appear in court over the alleged violation.
Search for Forbes continues
Meanwhile, D.C. police continue to appeal to the public for information about Forbes’ whereabouts.
Police describe Forbes as an Asian woman who is about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.
Photo from Metropolitan Police Department/Washington, DC
Family and friends have identified Forbes as Filipino American and described her disappearance as highly unusual.
Loved ones who went to her Northwest Washington home after losing contact with her found her phones, keys, wallet and other belongings inside.
Her family has said Forbes is a devoted mother who would not voluntarily leave her young son.
D.C. police have classified Forbes as a critically missing person and have been investigating her disappearance. Authorities have not publicly announced an arrest or identified a suspect in the missing-person case.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Forbes’ family as the search for the missing Fil-Am mother continues.
Anyone with information about Forbes’ whereabouts is asked to call D.C. police at 202-727-9099 or text an anonymous tip to 50411. The police case reference number is 26-127-438.
