25 Years Later: Where is Samantha Kibalo?

Twenty-five years after 2-year-old Samantha Kibalo was allegedly abducted from Suffern, New York, by her noncustodial mother, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office are renewing their call for information, with investigators now focusing on possible ties to Florida. 

Authorities believe Samantha and her mother, Ann, may be living in Florida, where Ann has extended family. Investigators are urging residents, possible neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who may recognize them to contact law enforcement. 

NCMEC recently spoke with Samantha’s father, Michael, who has spent the last 25 years searching for his daughter. To assist in the search, a forensic artist at NCMEC has created an age-progression image showing what Samantha may look like today, at 27:

“Samantha could be living an ordinary life, unaware she is a missing child or that her father is searching for her,” said John Bischoff, vice president of NCMEC’s Missing Children Division. “That is why public awareness remains so critical. We are asking everyone to take a close look at Samantha’s age progression. One person recognizing her could change everything.” 

Samantha was reported missing on Feb. 3, 2001. That day, Michael went to pick her up following a court-ordered visit with her mother. Ann never arrived at the agreed-upon location, and neither she nor Samantha have been seen since. 

Investigators believe Samantha and Ann may be living under different identities and may have changed their names. According to investigators, Ann had a close relationship with her mother, Ruth, and the two may have remained in contact over the years.  

Today, Ann is 62. She and Samantha may go by the alias last name, Yermak, which is Ann’s maiden name.  

If you have any information on Samantha or Ann Kibalo (Yermak), please contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or Detective Kerri Kralik at the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office (New York) at 1-845-638-5400.