Nationwide — Chantel Brooks, a 37-year-old African American woman from Fairfield, California, has been missing for more than three months, and her family refuses to give up the search. Her brothers, Calvin and Kevin Robinson, are organizing volunteer searches, sharing her story online and raising money for a private investigator as police suspect foul play in her disappearance.
Surveillance footage captured Brooks leaving her job in the 700 block of Eddy Street in San Francisco around 12:20 a.m. on July 17. About 85 minutes later, cameras recorded her leaving a CVS store in Fairfield. She was last seen approaching her black 2021 Infiniti QX50 SUV in the parking lot. On Aug. 18, the Fairfield Police Department announced that investigators believed foul play was involved. Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about what happened to her.
Since learning that their sister was missing, both brothers have made finding her their priority. Calvin traveled from Los Angeles to the Bay Area as soon as he heard the news. He said he has put much of his life on hold while trying to bring her home. Known as CiCi within the family, Brooks runs a beauty business called Glamour House. Calvin described her as a hardworking woman with ambitions and someone he could always turn to for advice and emotional support. He wants people to see her as more than a missing-person poster or news story.
Kevin remembers his sister as a warm, outgoing person who made others feel welcome. At family gatherings, she was often the one introducing people to one another and making sure everyone had a good time. The brothers have also spoken out about the lack of attention that missing Black women can receive. Kevin said he raised the issue directly with Fairfield’s mayor and police chief. He also credited the police department for staying in contact with the family, explaining that officers call every Friday to share updates and check on them. A city spokesperson confirmed that Kevin met with both officials.
The family is also pursuing leads through searches on the ground, according to People. They recently learned that Brooks’ phone was last logged at Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, about a 10-mile drive from where she was last seen. On Oct. 18, family members and volunteers searched part of the park, but they discovered that the area covered hundreds of acres. The group could not search the entire park in one day, so Kevin said they planned to return. In the meantime, Calvin continues posting his sister’s photo and information on social media to keep her case visible and reach anyone who might know something about her disappearance.
Kevin has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a private investigator who can devote more time to the case. He said the family cannot do everything alone and needs help finding his sister. It has so far raised over $3,500. Although her disappearance has received media attention, her brothers are determined to keep the search active until they get answers. Anyone with information about Brooks’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Fairfield Police Department.