Ashley Elkins' ex-boyfriend charged with lying to police
ROSEVILLE, Mich. (FOX 2) - A week after a Warren mother disappeared, her ex-boyfriend, who her family has been pointing fingers at from the start, was arraigned Thursday on a charge of lying to police.
De'Andre Booker, 32, is accused of lying to police who were investigating the disappearance of Ashley Elkins.
According to a statement from Elkins' family, they believe Elkins was murdered. Her body hasn't been located, but police "have strong leads on its location," a family spokesperson said Wednesday.
During the arraignment, prosecutors noted that if Elkins is still alive, they would be concerned for her safety if Booker were to be released on bond. He was given a $250,000 cash/surety bond.
How did police find the suspect?
After Elkins was reported missing on Jan. 2, her family speculated that her ex had something to do with it. They said her phone last pinged near his home.
Police were in contact with the man over the past week, but did not have a break in the case until Elkins' vehicle was found near 13 Mile and Little Mack, not far from the suspect's Roseville apartment, on Tuesday. This led to a search of his home.
During that search, police seized a dumpster as evidence.
The man, later identified as Booker, was arrested Wednesday in Flint.
According to prosecutors, Booker fled his Macomb County home and went to Flint, where he allegedly searched for the quickest routes from Flint to Ohio, as well as what to do while on the run and if blood is traceable.
Booker allegedly lied to police about his location and the location of Elkins' vehicle. According to the prosecution, video evidence confirms that he lied, and investigators believe he knows where his ex is.
Who is De'Andre Booker?
According to information presented in court, Booker is 32 years old. He is currently unemployed.
Booker previously served in the United States Army but was removed from the military with a less than honorable discharge after going AWOL. This happened after he was charged with several crimes while serving, including larceny and possessing fake identification documents.
De'Andre Booker (Macomb County Jail)
Who is Ashley Elkins?
Elkins, 30, is from Warren. She is a hairstylist and mother of two boys.
She left home on Jan. 2 to run some errands, and was last heard from that same day when she texted a family member that she was heading home from a beauty salon.
What the family is saying
A family spokesperson released a statement Wednesday night:
"There is substantial evidence collected at the ex-boyfriend's home, which leads us to believe that Ashley was murdered. Although her body has not been found, investigators have strong leads on its location. Currently, the boyfriend is in custody on related charges, though not for murder at this time. A warrant for his arrest is being prepared. He will be arraigned tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at Roseville District Court."
Her family members have also said that it is unlike Elkins to not have contact with her family, particularly her sons.
"She loves her family, her kids. She would never just disappear for this many days," her sister Alexis Elkins said earlier this week.