LENOX TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Tuesday, investigators said they’re making progress in the disappearance case involving the mother of two from Warren.
Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, Deandre Booker, is expected to face additional charges. As the case grabs national attention, Elkins boys, ages seven and 10, are reeling from this loss.
“They’re having a hard time processing. You can imagine, children – they don’t still quite understand. Sometimes, they’re hoping mom walks through that door. They cry,” said Maurice Morton, a family spokesperson.
The search team had to contend with frigid temperatures and mounds of waste, highlighting the complexity of the operation.
“It’s a large area. It’s obviously the amount of trash and look-a-like objects we’re recovering, so it’s a lot of work. Labor intensive,” said Chief Mitch Berlin of the Roseville Police Department.
The chief said up to 80,000 tons of garbage has already been removed.
On Monday, searchers relied on bulldozers, rakes, and shovels. Drone 4 showed cadaver dogs moving in the next day as 50-plus officers moved to the side.
“Everyone’s on pins and needles waiting for a call from the police department,” Morton said.
Jan. 2 is the last time loved ones say they saw the 30-year-old Warren mother.
The disappearance case led investigators to an apartment in Roseville belonging to Deandre Booker, her ex-boyfriend.
Days later, police arrested the 32-year-old man in Flint. Prosecutors later shared it appeared he planned to go on the run based on his search history.
The search to find the mom of two travels from Warren to Roseville and now Lenox Township.
The targeted area at the landfill is a six-and-a-half-acre parcel, which Roseville police said is nearing its endpoint.
“Once we get to that depth, we’re going to meet with them today – the excavators and see exactly where we’re at,” the chief said.
As the search looms while Booker is behind bars, the Elkins family believes there could be more to this story.
“Maybe someone out there still knows something?” Morton said. “Or, something more. Don’t think this is over because he’s been arrested.”
The search area for Elkins is a 6.5-acre parcel. Police said the search is nearing completion.
While Booker remains behind bars, Elkins' family believes there could be more to the story.
“Maybe someone out there still knows something, right? Or something more,” Morton said. “Don’t think this is over because he’s been arrested.”
Previous coverage on the disappearance of Ashley Elkins:
