The Disappearance of Ashley Elkins – Timeline, Investigation, and Key Details

Unravel the mysterious disappearance of Ashley Elkins in Warren, Michigan: the ongoing investigation, suspect Deandre Booker, and persistent search efforts.

Victim:Ashley Elkins, 30 years old, a mother of two from Warren, Michigan.

Last Seen:Ashley was last seen leaving her home in Warren on January 2, 2025, at around 8:30 a.m. She was wearing a long black coat with fur around the hood and black leggings.

Timeline of Events:

December 31, 2024:

• Ex-Boyfriend’s Visit: Ashley’s ex-boyfriend, Deandre Howard Booker, 32, made an appointment at Ashley's home salon under a false name. He knocked on both the front and side doors. When Ashley noticed him, she signaled for others in the house to remain quiet, suggesting a sense of unease. After a brief interaction, Booker left. This unusual behavior raised suspicions, especially considering Booker’s past relationship with Ashley.

January 2, 2025:

• Ashley Goes Missing: Family members last saw Ashley leaving her home around 8:30 a.m.

• Suspicious Texts: At 9:06 a.m., Ashley’s mother, Monika Elkins, texted her about a dream involving Ashley. Ashley’s reply, "Awe, man," was cryptic. Later, when Monika tried to FaceTime Ashley, there was no response. A family member received a text claiming Ashley was heading to a beauty supply store.

• Phone Location: The last known location of Ashley’s phone was traced to her ex-boyfriend's apartment in Roseville, Michigan, on Pinehurst Street.

January 7, 2025:

• Car Discovery: Ashley's vehicle, a grey 2009-2010 Chevy Malibu, was found several miles away from her ex-boyfriend's apartment.

• Ex-Boyfriend’s Apartment Search: Authorities searched Booker’s apartment, uncovering significant evidence, including forensic materials sent for analysis by Michigan State Police. A dumpster from the complex was also seized for further examination.

January 8, 2025:

• Deandre Booker Arrested: Booker was arrested on charges of lying to police during the investigation. Authorities believe he holds crucial information about Ashley’s whereabouts.

• Suspicious Search History: While hiding out in Flint, Booker conducted searches on his phone about "fastest routes to Ohio," "what to do on the run," "is blood traceable," "how to beat a polygraph," and "deleting Google history." This suggests premeditation and an attempt to cover his tracks.

January 9, 2025:

• Booker Arraigned: Booker was arraigned on felony charges of lying to a police officer, with a cash bond set at $250,000. If released, he will be required to wear a GPS tether.

• Family's Plea for Answers: Ashley’s family continues to search for her, desperate for closure. They believe that Booker knows more about Ashley's disappearance than he is revealing and is refusing to cooperate with authorities.

Key Details of the Case:

Ex-Boyfriend’s Involvement:

• Deandre Booker has been identified as the primary suspect in Ashley’s disappearance. His suspicious actions, including showing up uninvited at Ashley's home and booking appointments under fake names, raise significant red flags. Following their breakup in September 2024, Booker continued to stalk Ashley, including booking appointments through her salon website and arriving unannounced.

Physical Evidence:

• Authorities have gathered crucial physical evidence from Booker’s apartment, including forensic materials. The evidence points to the possibility of foul play being involved in Ashley's disappearance.

Search for Ashley:

• Despite mounting evidence against Booker, Ashley has not yet been found. Investigators are working closely with Ashley’s family and the community to locate her.

Investigation Progress:

• Over 20 search warrants have been executed, with police reviewing digital evidence, canvassing businesses for video footage, and interviewing family members and friends. Authorities are aggressively pursuing all leads.

Background on Deandre Booker:

Past Behavior:

• Booker has a history of larceny, fraud, and desertion during his service in the U.S. Army. His troubling Google search history indicates he may have planned his escape and attempted to evade capture.

Family’s Concerns:

• Ashley’s family describes Booker as possessive and controlling, traits that became more pronounced after their breakup. His actions before Ashley’s disappearance seem to reflect manipulative and coercive behavior, leading many to believe he may have escalated his actions out of jealousy or anger.

Public and Law Enforcement Response:

Community Reaction:

• The disappearance of Ashley Elkins has sparked significant community concern, with Ashley's family and local advocates working together to raise awareness of the case.

Support from the Black and Missing Foundation:

• The Elkins family has reached out to the Black and Missing Foundation to help increase visibility and awareness, especially as time passes without new leads or sightings of Ashley.

Police Response:

• The Warren and Roseville police departments are actively investigating Ashley’s disappearance, having executed numerous search warrants and reviewed all digital evidence available.

Possible Motives:

• Jealousy and Control: Given Booker’s history of possessiveness and his behavior in the days leading up to Ashley’s disappearance, it is likely that his controlling nature may have escalated, leading to a violent confrontation.

• Premeditated Action: The searches on Booker’s phone suggest a careful plan to flee and cover up his involvement in Ashley’s disappearance. His actions point to a premeditated escape attempt and a desire to avoid detection.

Update:

Authorities have spent several hours at Pine Tree Acres, digging through trash with a focus on a six-acre section of the landfill as part of their search for any trace of Ashley Elkins. Police have canvassed local businesses for video footage and used digital forensics to try to track down her movements. A dumpster from the apartment complex has been seized for investigation, further intensifying the search for Ashley.

The case remains ongoing as law enforcement and Ashley’s family continue their desperate search for answers. Will justice prevail for Ashley Elkins, or will her disappearance remain shrouded in mystery?

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ashley Elkins or any details that may assist law enforcement in this case, please contact the Warren Police Department or the Roseville Police Department immediately. Stay informed and involved in spreading awareness, as every tip could bring us closer to finding Ashley.