Antoinette Forbes, a 53-year-old single mother, has vanished from her Washington D.C. home, leaving behind her 10-year-old son, her wallet, keys, and car. Forbes was last seen at her residence on September 4, and her family has not heard from her since early that Saturday morning. The circumstances of her disappearance are being treated as suspicious, and she has been classified as a critically missing person.
Forbes's sister, Aileen Forbes, told CNN that Antoinette would never leave her son, who is described as her entire world. "She would never leave her son. She wouldn’t leave her dog. She wouldn’t leave her sister who needs her," Aileen stated. The family has expressed shock and horror at the situation, emphasizing Forbes's reliability and devotion as a mother.
Forbes worked in public relations for the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and had been planning a trip to Florida with her sisters before her disappearance. Aileen Forbes became concerned when Antoinette did not respond to a planned Sunday meeting. A friend was sent to check on her and discovered the front door of the $1.7 million home unlocked. The family has been denied access to the home, which is now considered a crime scene.
Family members have reported a lack of significant updates from the police, though they are aware officers are working to find Forbes. The family is holding onto hope that she is alive, leaning on their faith during this difficult time. "I am trying really hard not to even conceive of that because it would mean that my family is destroyed," Aileen told CNN.
Authorities describe Antoinette Forbes as 5 feet 2 inches tall, with black hair, brown eyes, and of Asian descent. Former MPD investigator Jim Trainum, who is not involved in the case, noted that Forbes's disappearance is unusual for someone with a close-knit family and a seemingly happy life. Police are reportedly examining her routine for any disruptions that might provide clues.
The family is appealing to the public for any information that could help locate Forbes and understand what happened. "We need to know what happened. Someone had to have seen something, anything, some small thing, seen her. We need the evidence that’s going to enable the police to do their jobs and bring Antoinette home," Aileen stated.
