Suvechha Sarkar
Akia Shawnta Eggleston lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and was quite excited for her upcoming baby shower in May 2017. However, things took a dark turn when she suddenly went missing. It led to an intensive search by the authorities and her loved ones, who grew worried with every passing day. NBC’s ‘Dateline: The Day Akia Disappeared’ delves deeper into the heartbreaking case, which ultimately led officials to rule the case a homicide. It also features interviews with her loved ones, including her stepfather, Shawn Wilkinson, and his wife, Angelique Wilkinson, as well as her aunt, Sanobia Wilson.
Akia Eggleston’s Family Searched For Answers For Almost 5 Years After Akia’s Disappearance
Akia Shawnta Eggleston was welcomed into the world on September 6, 1994. Shortly after, her parents parted ways, and her mother married Shawn Wilkinson. He embraced Akia with an open heart, just as he would his own daughter. Tragedy struck the household when her mother passed away in 2012 after battling breast cancer. Shawn gave it his best to make Akia feel welcome. He eventually gave love another chance when he tied the knot with Angelique Wilkinson. According to reports, both Shawn and Angelique considered Akia their own daughter. Akia also had a close relationship with her aunt, Sanobia Wilson. So, when they learned that Akia was missing on the day of her baby shower on May 7, 2017, they grew increasingly worried.
The investigation that followed stretched over four years, and the case was later ruled a homicide, during which the detectives considered her boyfriend and the alleged father of her unborn son, Michael Robertson, to be the suspect. According to court records, Akia’s cell phone data placed Michael at the scene on the day she went missing. Apart from that, several pieces of circumstantial evidence pointed toward Michael being responsible for Akia’s disappearance. He was ultimately arrested in February 2022 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. After a jury trial, he was found guilty on both counts and received two life imprisonment sentences, to be served consecutively in October 2023. Despite the verdict, the pain of not finding Akia and her unborn son’s remains still breaks the hearts of her loved ones every single day.
Shawn and Angelique Wilkinson Stay United Through Grief and Healing
When the search for Akia first began after she went missing, Shawn and Angelique Wilkinson gave it their all to bring Akia and her unborn baby back home. While speaking about their pain, Angelique stated, “We want to see the baby. The baby is going on a year soon. We need somebody to just come forward on her behalf. She was eight months pregnant. The baby is already here. Now it’s a year later, and the anguish and frustration is unbearable.” Although Michael Robertson’s verdict eventually brought some closure for both of them, they weren’t fully happy. Shawn expressed his sorrow, saying, “We continue to grieve because we do not have Akia to properly bury her son either.” Amid all the tragedy that the family experienced, Shawn and Angelique continued to stay steadfast by each other’s side.
Before Akia’s disappearance rocked his world, Shawn was building a unique path for himself. He completed his initial education at Pikesville High School before pursuing higher studies at Strayer University. He further continued his academic journey at the ITT Technical Institute in Owings Mills. After finally graduating, Shawn decided to channel his enthusiasm into serving his country. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Later, he assumed his role at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Shawn ultimately announced his retirement in November 2017. Shawn is also someone who possesses a kind spirit, which even led him to promote a fundraiser for the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in June 2024.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Shawn’s life is entirely rooted in his family, which includes his wife, Angelique, their son, and daughter. Shawn and Angelique began their forever journey back in May 2014, and since then, they have been each other’s most significant source of support. Whether it’s visiting Disneyland together or simply going out on dates, they always make sure to create lasting memories. The pair often takes their children out for visits to the zoo or to watch movies. Together, as a family, they also enjoy the festivities, such as Christmas. Both Shawn and Angelique maintain a close relationship with their parents. As of writing, the couple has chosen to step away from the spotlight and lead a quiet life, holding the memories of Akia and their unborn grandson close to their hearts.
Related
Sanobia Wilson is Chaneling Her Grief Into Advocacy For the Akia Alert Initiative
Sanobia Wilson had always fostered a close bond with her niece, Akia. She recalled how great a mom Akia was to her daughter, Emory. Akia’s aunt played a significant role in her search during the investigation, which lasted over four years. She attended the trial herself, and after the jury found Michael guilty, she recalled how difficult the search had been. While speaking on the matter, she said, “Actually looking for her and her baby in the woods, behind buildings, under bridges, searching, it was a nightmare.” Sanobia attempted to turn the pain into purpose and proposed a plan for Akia Alert. The alert aims to inform people more quickly when a pregnant woman goes missing. Currently, Sanobia handles the “Justice For Akia Eggleston” initiative, where she continues to speak about her niece and keep her memories alive.
In September 2024, Sanobia wished Akia on her birthday, writing, “Happy birthday Akia … I get so depressed just trying to understand how someone could take you away from us…you are truly missed beyond words. Still waiting on this broken heart to mend.” Beyond that, Sanobia has tried to move forward in her life and presently resides in Parkville, Maryland. After honing her skills over the years, she stepped into the role of Customer Service Representative at the Social Security Administration in 2015. She made her mark in that position before choosing to move on in January 2024. Beyond that, Sanobia is a big animal lover, which becomes evident from the fact that she often fosters pets. Her personal life is further enriched in the presence of her beloved son, Zaylin.
Zaylin always brightens Sanobia’s life with joy and laughter, and she excitedly celebrated his 17th birthday in April 2024. From supporting his dreams to cheering him on during every milestone of his life, she never misses a chance to express her love for him. Sanobia is also an avid traveler who enjoyed a sunny vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in June 2024. She went on the trip with a man, but she has decided to shield his identity from the public eye. Even during the good times, Sanobia always misses her niece dearly. Similarly, Akia’s other family members, like her maternal grandmother, Ann Wilson, and great uncle, Anthony Wilson, carry the grief of losing their granddaughter to this day. From helping during her search to expressing their joy over the verdict, they have never once forgotten about her. However, all of them have gradually strengthened themselves to move forward on the path of healing.
