Homicide detectives join investigation into missing Fil-Am mom Antoinette Forbes

Homicide detectives have joined the investigation into the disappearance of Filipino-American mother Antoinette Forbes as investigators returned to her Northwest Washington home and removed several bags of evidence nearly two weeks after she vanished.

The development marks a significant escalation in investigative activity surrounding the disappearance of the 53-year-old mother. However, authorities have not announced that Forbes is dead or that her case has officially been classified as a homicide. She remains publicly listed as a missing person.

Forbes was last seen on September 4 in the 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue NW. Her family has said she left behind both cellphones, her keys, wallet, vehicle and dog—circumstances they described as highly unusual.

Homicide detective seen at Forbes' home

On Wednesday, investigators returned to Forbes' residence as the search entered its second week.

A D.C. police homicide detective was among investigators at the property, while forensic personnel were seen carrying several bags of evidence from the home. Authorities have not publicly disclosed what was collected or whether any of the items provided investigators with a new lead.

The involvement of homicide investigators does not, by itself, establish that police have determined Forbes was killed. No official homicide classification has been announced.

Ex-partner faces new gun charges

The development came on the same day that Russell Ashford, 65, Forbes' former partner and the father of her 10-year-old son, faced new legal trouble in Pennsylvania.

Ashford had been scheduled for an extradition hearing Wednesday over a Maryland warrant alleging a probation violation. Instead, the hearing was delayed after Pennsylvania authorities filed new firearm charges against him.

The Maryland probation matter traces back to Ashford's previous assault case involving Forbes. Authorities allege he violated conditions of his probation during a July incident involving their son.

Ashford was arrested in Beaver County on September 12. Forbes' son was inside the vehicle when police stopped Ashford and was reported safe and unharmed.

No charge in Forbes' disappearance

Despite the new investigative activity and Ashford's legal cases, an important distinction remains.

Ashford has not been charged with killing Forbes or with any other offense arising from her disappearance. His Pennsylvania firearm charges and Maryland probation matter are separate criminal proceedings.

Authorities also have not publicly announced that Forbes' disappearance is a homicide investigation or identified Ashford as a suspect in her disappearance.

Forbes remains missing, and investigators continue working to determine what happened after she disappeared on September 4.