The Missing
Samantha Michelle Kibalo
Suffern, New York
💜🕯️ Still Waiting for Samantha Michelle Kibalo 🕯️💜
On February 3, 2001, two-year-old Samantha Michelle Kibalo disappeared from Suffern, New York, after what was supposed to be a routine, court-ordered overnight visit with her non-custodial mother, Ann Yermak Kibalo. That visit was meant to last only one night. Instead, it became the beginning of a mystery that has lasted more than 25 years, leaving a father searching and a daughter still missing.
Samantha was born on January 1, 1999, and was described as a bright, happy little girl with light brown hair, brown eyes, and an infectious personality. Her father, Michael Kibalo, remembers her as a child who loved reading books, playing dress-up, wearing hats, and learning about the world around her. While many parents joke about the “terrible twos,” Michael has always said Samantha’s were the “terrific twos.” To him, she was a joyful, curious little girl whose future was full of promise.
Sadly, behind the scenes, Samantha’s parents were involved in a difficult custody battle. Shortly after Samantha’s birth, Ann filed for divorce, and Michael was later granted custody after concerns were raised about Samantha’s well-being. Authorities investigated repeated allegations made against Michael by Ann, but every claim was determined to be unfounded. Court records revealed that before Samantha’s first birthday, Ann had taken her to seven different doctors on 33 separate occasions, yet none found any medical condition. A court-appointed psychiatrist testified that Ann was believed to suffer from Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, a disorder in which a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care. The psychiatrist recommended that Michael retain custody and that Ann’s visits with Samantha be supervised.
Before the court could finalize those recommendations, Samantha vanished.
When Michael arrived to pick up his daughter on February 3, 2001, Ann never appeared. She had disappeared with Samantha, beginning what investigators believe was a carefully planned family abduction. An FBI kidnapping warrant was later issued for Ann, along with additional warrants for custodial interference, unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
At the time of the abduction, Ann and Samantha were traveling in a black 1996 Suzuki Sidekick Sport with a gold-colored bumper. The vehicle was recovered two months later in a parking garage in Brooklyn, New York, but there was no sign of either of them. Investigators believe they may have traveled with the family’s 12-pound red Tibetan Spaniel (or Tibetan Terrier) named Vodka, and that they may have frequented doctors’ offices or medical facilities. They may also have been accompanied by an unnamed adult female relative.
Over the years, investigators have pursued leads across the country. Ann and Samantha have been linked to possible sightings in New York, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, and even in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where credible but unconfirmed reports in 2006 described a quiet, withdrawn young girl traveling with a woman who rarely interacted with her. Authorities believe Samantha may have grown up using the last names Yermak, Saul, or Kaplan, and because she was only two years old when she disappeared, it is possible she has no memory of her true identity or realizes she is a missing child.
Despite the passing decades, Michael has never stopped searching. He believes Samantha is alive and may have been moved frequently under different identities, possibly homeschooled to avoid detection. Every birthday, every holiday, and every year that passes has only strengthened his determination to find the daughter he has never stopped loving.
Today, Samantha would be 27 years old. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children released an age progression showing what she may look like as an adult, in the hope that someone, or Samantha herself, might recognize the image and uncover the truth.
Michael continues to hold onto hope, believing that one day Samantha will learn who she really is and find her way home. As he has often said, each new morning brings him one day closer to seeing his daughter again.
If you recognize Samantha, Ann Kibalo (Yermak), or have any information, no matter how small, please contact the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office at 845-638-5400. It could make all the difference. Someone, somewhere, knows what happened. Samantha’s story is not over, and her family is still waiting for the day she finally comes home.
Sources:
Have you seen this child? Samantha Michelle Kibalo
Samantha Michelle Kibalo – The Charley Project
Missing Person / NamUs #MP7375 | NamUs
Case File of Samantha Kibalo
One Day Closer to Finding Samantha: A Father’s 25-Year Search
Samantha Kibalo | International Missing Persons Wiki | Fandom
The Lost & The Taken 
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