The ex-boyfriend of a missing Michigan woman has now been charged with murder in the case.
Deandre Booker, 32, was also arraigned on charges of tampering with evidence, mutilation of a dead body, and concealing the death of an individual, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Booker was previously charged with lying to police investigating the disappearance of Ashley Elkins.
Prosecutors now say that Elkins, a 30-year-old mother of two, went to Booker’s home in Roseville on January 2 and that Booker killed her and disposed of her body.
“We conducted a search warrant on the residence and ultimately found what we believed to be a large crime scene with a substantial amount of blood in the bathroom. DNA did, in fact, confirm that the blood belonged to the victim,” a detective said in a statement read at the arraignment, WXYZ reported.
Family members have said Elkins, the mother of 7- and 10-year-old boys, and Booker broke up in September.
“Our hearts are with Ashley’s family as they endure this unimaginable pain, and we remain committed to seeking justice for them and our community. No one should suffer such a loss, and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
As CrimeOnline reported, investigators have been searching for Elkins since her disappearance, including a large search at Pine Tree Acres Landfill in Lenox Township.
Booker was denied bond at his arraignment and has a probably cause hearing set for Tuesday.
