Ann Yermak Kibalo, 37, and her two-year-old daughter Samantha disappeared from New Hyde Park, New York, on January 28, 2001. Their last confirmed sighting was during a court-ordered overnight visitation; Ann failed to return Samantha the next day at the agreed meeting point, a local police station, which triggered an immediate missing-person investigation.

At the time Ann was in the middle of a contentious divorce and custody battle. Concerns had been raised about Ann’s behavior and unsubstantiated health complaints for Samantha. A court-appointed psychiatrist expressed concern that Ann might have a severe personality disorder and possibly Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Shortly before the disappearance, custody had been awarded to the father, Mike Kibalo, with Ann granted supervised visitation.

Ann’s Suzuki Sidekick turned up abandoned in a Brooklyn parking garage about two months later, but the vehicle yielded no clues. Authorities issued a felony warrant charging custodial interference and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Investigators believe Ann may be using aliases such as Ann Yermak, Ann Saul, or Ann Kaplan, and might be traveling with a red Tibetan terrier named Vodka; unconfirmed sightings have been reported as far away as New Mexico and Florida is considered because Ann has extended family there. If anyone knew Ann’s movements or has information about Samantha’s whereabouts, please come forward.