What happened to Chantel Brooks? Police, family continue to seek answers for woman missing since July

Police in Fairfield, California, are continuing to investigate the disappearance of 36-year-old Chantel Brooks, who has been missing since July 17. Brooks was last seen after leaving her job at Hotel Le Nain in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood at 12:20 a.m. Surveillance video later captured her leaving a CVS parking lot in Fairfield at 1:45 a.m., wearing the same clothing. She was last seen approaching her vehicle.

Investigators cite foul play as search expands

Fairfield Police Lt. Kelly Rombach said investigators believe Brooks’ disappearance “involved foul play” based on information gathered during the probe. Police did not publicly explain what led them to that conclusion.

The department told ABC News it has worked closely with the Solano County District Attorney’s Office and executed dozens of search warrants. Investigators also conducted multiple coordinated ground searches using search‑and‑rescue teams through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, police carried out extensive aerial drone grid searches across multiple counties.

ABC10 reported that Fairfield police have spent more than 500 investigative hours on the case. Detectives said they suspect foul play due to the length of time Brooks has been missing and other information uncovered during the investigation.

Chantel Brooks (GoFundMe)

Vehicle detected in Oakland but not recovered

Police confirmed Brooks’ vehicle, a black 2021 Infiniti QX50, California plate 9SBB134, was detected by a Flock automated license plate reader in Oakland. The SUV has not been found.

Investigators have also examined digital devices, searched several vehicles and reviewed online activity. Some evidence remains pending laboratory analysis.

Chantal Brooks’ Family continues search efforts

Brooks’ family has organized awareness events and continues searching for answers. The family continues to search areas in Fairfield. Her brothers told ABC7 they believe she is still alive and hope with information. They said Brooks did not express concerns about her workplace and described her as outgoing and well‑liked.

Chantal Brooks description

Police described Brooks as a Black woman, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time she disappeared, she was wearing a brown multi‑colored brimmed hat, red zip‑up sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and brown furry boots.

GoFundMe launched to support search

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support search efforts for Brooks. The fundraiser aims to help the family continue outreach, distribute flyers and coordinate volunteer searches as investigators pursue leads.

“CiCi’s disappearance has received news attention, but for us this is not a headline. This is our sister, our family. This is someone we love deeply, and we are doing everything in our power to find her,” the fundraiser reads.

Fairfield police are asking anyone with information to contact the department at 707‑428‑7300, the Investigations Division tip line at 707‑428‑7600, or email case26‑[email protected].