MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – The missing Warren mother of two is leading police to the only landfill in Macomb County.
The Roseville Police Department told Local 4 that a dozen law enforcement agencies, including one from Ohio with cadaver dogs, are searching at Pine Tree Acres Landfill related to the disappearance case of Ashley Elkins, 30.
Chief Mitch Berlin said that on Monday (Jan. 13) afternoon, about 40 to 50 officers began sifting through the area, hoping to bring the family closure.
Authorities say Waste Management moved up to 80,000 tons of trash out of the way to reach the target location.
“[It’s] moving in the right direction. Trying to bring closure to the family,” Berlin said.
He also said all of the evidence played a big role in leading the searchers to the site 25 miles from where Elkins’ phone last pinged at her ex-boyfriend’s apartment in Roseville.
Drone 4 showed multiple people donning bright-colored suits on top of the landfill.
At one point, the aerial shots show what appeared to be a search in two specific areas before narrowing it down to one search area while using rakes, shovels, and bulldozers.
“We want Ashley home, and when I say that, I mean, we want her body found,” said Maurice Morton, a family spokesperson.
Loved ones say they saw Elkins on Jan. 2 when she left her home in Warren.
The search for the 30-year-old mother of two began when her phone pinged at her ex-boyfriend’s home.
--> Full timeline on the disappearance of Macomb County woman Ashley Elkins
Investigators say they found significant evidence at Deandre Booker’s apartment.
Part of that evidence? A dumpster. Officials told Local 4 they suspected foul play in her disappearance.
The search for such things as ‘Fastest route from Flint to Ohio, what to do on the run,’ according to Steven Fox, an assistant prosecuting attorney of Macomb County during Booker’s first court appearance.
Police arrested the 32-year-old in Flint as prosecutors say he appeared to be leaving based on recent Google searches. So far, he’s been charged with lying to the police.
Roseville police said they plan to appeal the bond if he can pay but hope to increase the charges against Booker in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Elkins’ mother is desperate for answers.
“I just can’t find her, and it’s really hurting,” Monika Elkins said. “ I’m tired and exhausted.”
The family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help Elkins' sons, ages seven and 10.
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