One Day Closer to Finding Samantha: A Father’s 25-Year Search
Twenty-five years after 2-year-old Samantha Kibalo was abducted by her noncustodial mother in February 2001, her father, Michael, continues to hold on to hope that they will be reunited.
Samantha was a bright, brown-eyed little girl from Suffern, New York, who loved to play dress-up, wear hats and read books.
“She had a great personality,” Michael told NCMEC. “Everyone talks about the terrible twos, but with Samantha, they were the terrific twos.”
“She loved learning,” he said. “She was just so special. She was an incredible little girl.”
Samantha and Michael before her disappearance (Credit: Michael Kibalo)
On Feb. 3, 2001, Michael Kibalo went to pick up his daughter, Samantha, following a court-ordered visit with her mother, Ann. Ann never arrived at the agreed-upon location, and neither she nor Samantha have been seen since.
In the months before Samantha’s disappearance, Michael said that he and Ann were involved in divorce and custody proceedings. According to Michael, Ann unexpectedly moved out shortly after Samantha’s birth, filed for divorce, and repeatedly took Samantha to doctors for medical issues that were never confirmed.
During the custody case, a court-ordered psychiatrist testified they were concerned about Samantha’s safety in her mother’s care and recommended future visits be supervised. According to police, the court was expected to grant Michael full custody at the next hearing.
Unfortunately, Samantha never made it there. Investigators believe Ann fled with Samantha just days before the custody decision could be finalized.
The search for Samantha began immediately, and authorities issued a felony warrant for Ann. Investigators initially believed Ann and Samantha may have remained in New York, possibly using different last names. However, as time passed and few leads emerged, their whereabouts remained unknown.
According to police, Ann had a close relationship with her mother, Ruth, and they believe the two may have maintained contact. Today, the search for Samantha is still a priority for detectives at the Rockland County Sheriff's Office. Detectives now believe Ann and Samantha may be in Florida, where Ann has extended family, possibly living under different identities.
Because Samantha was very young when she was abducted, investigators believe she may not know that she is missing. Ann also fled with the family dog, Vodka, who Michael believes Samantha may recognize from her childhood. Samantha and Ann may use the alias last name, Yermak, which is Ann’s maiden name.
Ann Kibalo (Yermak) and the family dog before the abduction. (Credit: Michael Kibalo)
Today, investigators and Michael hope that, now that Samantha is an adult, she may realize she is missing and find a way to reach out to him. To support the search, NCMEC created an age progression showing what Samantha may look like today at 27.
Age progression of Samantha at 27. (Credit: NCMEC)
Despite years of uncertainty, Michael has tried to stay positive, holding on to hope that he’ll see Samantha again.
“When I get up in the morning, I just try and think, this is a closer day,” Michael said. “I’m one day closer to finding Samantha. Maybe today will be the day, and even if it’s not, I’m one day closer to seeing her again.”
And until then, Michael will wait.
“There’s always hope. I know I’ll find her. I just hope it’s soon.”
Samantha and Michael. (Credit: Michael Kibalo)
If you have any information on Samantha Kibalo, Ann Kibalo (Yermak) or their disappearance, please call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or Detective Kerri Kralik at the Rockland County Sheriff's Office at 1-845-638-5400.