WASHINGTON, DC — The ex-boyfriend of missing Washington woman Antoinette Forbes is facing a new gun charge in Pennsylvania, adding another layer to a case that has drawn attention from detectives in both states.
Forbes, 53, was last seen Sept. 4 at her home in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW. Her dog, wallet, phone and car were left behind, according to investigators, and police have continued treating her disappearance as an active missing-person case.
On Wednesday, investigators were back at her home as her ex-boyfriend, Russell Ashford, was scheduled for an extradition hearing. Court officials later postponed that hearing after the new charge was filed.
Police return to the Nebraska Avenue home as evidence is collected
The home where Forbes disappeared from has remained a focus of the investigation. A D.C. police cruiser has been guarding the property for several days while detectives continue their work.
On Wednesday afternoon, crime scene investigators returned to the residence and removed several bags of evidence. Authorities have not publicly detailed what the items were or how they may fit into the broader investigation.
The renewed activity at the house came as the city continued to search for clues about Forbes’ whereabouts after she vanished without taking the belongings she normally would have needed for an extended absence.
Pennsylvania court hearing delayed after illegal gun possession charge
A court official said Ashford, 65, was charged with illegal gun possession in Pennsylvania. Because of that new charge, the extradition hearing tied to his arrest was postponed.
Officials said he could be back in court in about 10 days, and the extradition hearing will not move forward until the gun case is addressed. FOX 5 DC said it was still working to determine the outcome of the scheduled hearing.
Ashford had been arrested in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, after authorities said he violated the terms of his probation. The new Pennsylvania charge now sits alongside that alleged probation violation.
Arrest tied to July trip to American University summer camp
According to court information, Ashford was taken into custody after he allegedly tried to pick up the couple’s son from a summer camp at American University in July. Prosecutors said that action violated probation conditions.
Their 10-year-old son was found with Ashford in Pennsylvania, which also conflicted with a custody order. Court records said Ashford was not allowed to have overnight visits with the child.
The custody issues have become part of the timeline investigators and court officials are examining as they look at Ashford’s movements before Forbes was reported missing.
Friends say Forbes would not have left her son behind
Forbes’ friends have said they believe she would not have walked away from her son by choice. Holly Wetzel, a longtime friend, said the family and friends are deeply worried and determined to keep the search active.
“We are saddened. We are worried,” Wetzel said. “We are struggling honestly, but we are resolute in our continuing to work hard to help find her, getting the word out, reminding everyone about her and the person that she was, and reminding people about the role that everyone can play in helping us to find her.”
Wetzel also said Forbes’ loved ones are trying to keep public attention on the case and encourage anyone who may have seen something to come forward.
Past abuse conviction shapes questions around the disappearance
Court documents show Ashford was convicted five years ago of beating Forbes in their Maryland home, an attack that was stopped when a neighbor intervened. He was sentenced to 15 years.
He served nine months before the guilty finding was stricken, and he later received probation before judgment. Wetzel said Forbes’ friends and family did not know about the abuse at the time and suggested she may have kept it private to protect the people she loved.
Wetzel described what happened to Forbes as “horrific and horrible” and said the family is still processing the information while trying to push the search forward.
Community urged to check video from Labor Day weekend
Wetzel asked people to review video from Sept. 4 through Labor Day, Sept. 7, in the area near American University and beyond. She said any clip showing movements, vehicles or people connected to Forbes could help investigators piece together the timeline.
Anyone with information about Forbes’ whereabouts has been urged to call D.C. police. The missing-person search remains active while detectives continue to examine evidence and follow up on leads in Washington and Pennsylvania.
Forbes’ case has become a two-state effort, with police activity at her home, a postponed extradition hearing and a fresh gun charge all happening as her family waits for answers.
