Murder Charge Filed Against Ex-Boyfriend In Ashley Elkins Case

WARREN, MI — The ex-boyfriend of Ashley Elkins, a Macomb County woman who has been missing since early January, was charged with first-degree murder Friday.

Prosecutors said investigators found DNA evidence from Deandre Booker's apartment that shows he killed the 30-year-old. That DNA evidence included "substantial blood" found in the bathroom of the apartment, according to prosecutors.

Police have not recovered Elkins' body, but said they remain hopeful they will eventually.

"Our hearts are with Ashley’s family as they endure this unimaginable pain, and we remain committed to seeking justice for them and our community. No one should suffer such a loss, and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

What Happened to Ashley Elkins?

Ashley Elkins was reported missing by family members on Jan. 3 after she wasn't heard from the prior day while running errands, according to police.

Her family said it was unusual for Elkins, a mother of two, to not have contact with her children or family.

"We're talking about a mother of two children, who are 10 and 7 years old, who loves her children, loves her family," her mother, Monika Elkins, told WXYZ. "She's always in contact with her family and to not be in contact, not have responded in five days or reached out, that's just uncommon."

Ex-boyfriend Faces Charges

Deandre Howard Booker, 32, of Roseville, Elkins' ex-boyfriend, was arrested in connection with her disappearance. He was initially charged with lying to a police during a violent crime investigation.

Booker was later charged with: first-degree murder (premeditated), tampering with evidence, dead body (disinterment and mutilation) and concealing the death of an individual. He was placed in the Macomb County Jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 5.

Booker was arrested in Flint on Jan. 8, when police said he made several concerning internet searches, such as fastest routes from Flint to Ohio, what to do while on the run, is blood traceable, how to beat a polygraph test and deleting Google search history.

Investigation

On the day Elkins disappeared, her family told investigators that they received "sporadic and odd texts" from her phone, according to police.

Cell phone records on that day showed that Elkins' cellphone last pinged at a Roseville apartment where Booker lived, according to police.

Investigators said they collected "significant evidence, including forensics" that will be further analyzed. They also seized a dumpster from the apartment for investigative and evidentiary purpose, according to police.

A 2009-2010 Chevy Malibu that belonged to Elkins was found in the area of 13 Mile and Little Mack near the apartment, according to police.

Police then searched an area at the Pine Tree Acres Landfill in Lenox Township, where they found some items that will be further analyzed in connection with the case. The search began on Jan. 13 and ended roughly a week later.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Elkins' two sons, ages 10 and 7.