Man charged with murder in disappearance of Akia Eggleston

Authorities have arrested Michael Robertson in the 2017 disappearance of Akia Eggleston, a Baltimore woman whom he was having a child with who went missing just days before her baby shower, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said Thursday.

Robertson, 41, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of Eggleston and her unborn child.

In late 2017, Robertson moved to Michigan, where he was arrested by U.S. Marshals, officials said at a press conference. He will be extradited to Maryland.

“I hope that today’s arrest brings some sense and some measure of hope in the first phase in our pursuit of justice for Akia Eggleston,” said Mosby. “Let me also say this to the people of Baltimore City: Our pursuit of justice is unyielding. We do not give up on the victims of crime in Baltimore City. Ever.”

What happened to Akia Eggleston?

Officials said Robertson moved to Michigan in late 2017 with another 22-year-old woman, who recently gave birth to Robertson’s second child.

Akia Eggleston

According to prosecutors, Robertson made Eggleston believe they were moving in together with plans to start a life together.

“He allegedly concocted an intricate ruse involving a false move-in location that ultimately led to Eggleston withdrawing cash for a down payment for the home,” a statement read.

Eggleston never showed up for her baby shower in 2017 and hasn’t been seen since. She was 22, eight months pregnant and a mother to a 2-year-old daughter when she disappeared in May 2017.

Akia was last seen on May 3, 2017, when she was captured on surveillance camera at a bank in the Inner Harbor, depositing money orders and a paycheck totaling $572.42. She then made a $450 cash withdrawal, Mosby said.

Eggleston then took a Lyft near her home in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore. Cellphone data analysis show Eggleston’s phone was at or near the house between 3-4 p.m. on May 3, 2017, Mosby said.

Robertson’s phone began to move away from Eggleston’s house in the next hour, Mosby said. The last activity on Eggleston’s phone was an incoming call, Mosby said. Then, all activity on that phone stopped, indicating it was either disabled or turned off, Mosby said.

Eggleston’s family reported her missing when she didn’t show up for her baby shower four days later on May 7.

Mosby did not provide details on a motive but said, “There was some sort of contention among the two with reference with Akia having the child.” Mosby also said investigators confirmed Robertson had a volatile argument with the other 22-year-old woman the night before Eggleston disappeared.

Eggleston’s story was the subject of the HBO documentary Black and Missing which shows her family’s plight to find her and highlights the lack of attention missing women of color receive.

At the press conference, Eggleston’s family thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

If convicted, Robertson faces a maximum penalty of two life sentences in prison.