The search for Michigan native Ashley Elkins, who vanished almost two weeks ago, took a grisly turn as investigators began digging through the trash for any sign of her.
Elkins, a mother of two young boys, was last heard from on January 2 as she was heading to a beauty supply store.
Her family began searching for the 30-year-old, with suspicions falling on her ex-boyfriend, De’Andre Booker, who was later arrested.
As the search continues, however, investigators turned to Pine Tree Acres on Monday where they searched the trash for six hours in hopes of finding a sign of the missing mother.
Police also seized a dumpster from the apartments as part of the investigation.
Elkins’ uncle, Maurice Morton, told Fox News: ‘I know that they’re searching for the body, and so we’re a little nervous about that. Hoping that whatever they do find, they find it sooner rather than later.’
Her family said that her disappearance was out of character. Her sister, Alexis Elkins, said: ‘She loves her family, her kids. She would never just disappear for this many days.’
Family members were suspicious of Elkins’ ex-boyfriend Booker since she disappeared. According to the family, her phone last pinged near his Roseville apartment, reported the outlet.
The search for 30-year-old Michigan native Ashley Elkins, who vanished almost two weeks ago, took a grisly turn as investigators began digging through the trash for any sign of her
Her family said that her disappearance was out of character. Her sister, Alexis Elkins, said: ‘She loves her family, her kids. She would never just disappear for this many days’
As the search continues, however, investigators turned to Pine Tree Acres on Monday where they searched the trash for six hours in hopes of finding a sign of the missing mother. Police also seized a dumpster from the apartments as part of the investigation
‘Her mother has said numerous times, “He threw her out with the trash,” said Morton. ‘That’s disheartening.’
On January 7, police found Elkins’ car just miles away from Booker’s apartment. His apartment was searched on the same night, and he was arrested the next day.
The 32-year-old was charged with lying to police after allegedly fleeing to Flint where he searched for the fastest routes to Ohio.
He has been accused of planning to leave the state. His research, according to the prosecutor, also included what to do while on the run, how to beat a polygraph test, and if blood is traceable, reported Fox News.
Additionally, he allegedly looked up how to delete his Google search history.
His bond was set at $250,000 cash on Thursday and is due back in court on January 22 before a preliminary exam on January 29.
Elkins’ family have set up a GoFundMe to help her two sons.
‘Ashley LaShay Elkins had big dreams for herself and her two sons,’ the GoFundMe said. ‘Tragically, those dreams were cut short on January 2, 2025.’
Elkins’ ex-boyfriend, 32-year-old De’Andre Booker, was arrested for allegedly lying to the police and attempting to flee the state. Elkins’ family were suspicious of Booker after her disappearance as they claim her phone last pinged near his apartment
‘Ashley LaShay Elkins had big dreams for herself and her two sons,’ the GoFundMe said. ‘Tragically, those dreams were cut short on January 2, 2025’
‘Now, at just 10 and 7, her boys face not only the loss of their beloved mother, but also uncertainty about their care and their future.
‘We are committed to ensuring they are well cared for and have the support and resources they need to keep dreaming and achieve the future their mother envisioned for them.’
Her family told Fox News that they believe she is dead.
