The search for 30-year-old Michigan native and mother of two, Ashley Elkins, who vanished on January 2, has intensified as investigators comb through a Macomb County landfill for any trace of her.
Elkins, a hairstylist from Warren, Michigan, was last seen leaving her home to run errands, DailyMail reports.
Her gray Chevy Malibu was discovered abandoned near her ex-boyfriend De’Andre Booker’s apartment complex in Roseville on January 7.
The investigation led authorities to the landfill after evidence suggested a crime of violence may have occurred at Booker’s residence. Items collected from his property, including a trash dumpster, and the location of Elkins’ vehicle near his home, have been central to the search efforts.
Booker, 32, was arrested on January 8 and charged with lying to police during the investigation. He is currently held without bond, awaiting arraignment on January 16.
Elkins’ family reported her missing after receiving uncharacteristic text messages from her on the day of her disappearance.
Her mother, Monika Elkin, recounted a dream she shared with Ashley that day, to which Ashley responded, “Awe, man.” Concerned by the unusual reply, Monika attempted to contact her daughter via FaceTime, but received no answer.
Her mother’s uncle Maurice Morton said, ‘Her mother has said numerous times, ‘He threw her out with the trash.’ That’s disheartening.”
The search at the landfill has been meticulous, with officers focusing on a six to seven-acre parcel identified through collaboration with engineers and surveyors.
The community has rallied in support, with a GoFundMe page established to aid Elkins’ two young sons during this difficult time.