Search At Landfill For Missing MI Mom Ends 'Without Success': Family

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Police on Sunday ended their search at a Macomb County landfill for a missing a Warren mother of two, according to family members, citing police.

Officers were searching an area at Pine Trees Acres Landfill in Lenox Township, hoping to find the remains of 30-year-old Ashley Elkins, who went missing on Jan. 2.

Her family said they are disappointed in the results, though they appreciate the efforts of more than 50 law enforcement officials and volunteers.

"The family has learned from Roseville police that their search for Ashley's remains at the landfill has concluded without success," the family said in a statement. "We are requesting privacy at this time as we await a charging decision by the Macomb County Prosecutor's office. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support."

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 charged with lying to a police during a violent crime investigation.

He was placed in the county jail with a bond set at $250,000. If he posts bond, he must wear a GPS tether. His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 22.

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," 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 Sunday.

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