In a recent development regarding the disappearance of Warren woman Ashley Elkins, her ex-boyfriend DeAndre Howard Booker has been arraigned on charges of lying to a police officer. Arraigned in the 39th District Court in Roseville, Booker is now facing a four-year felony for making "several material factual misstatements" during the investigation from January 4 to January 7, stated Macomb County assistant prosecuting attorney Steve Fox, according to CBS News Detroit.
Elkins, a mother of two who was last seen last Thursday, still has not been found, and her cell phone's last known location was around her ex-boyfriend's apartment in Roseville, the police recovered her vehicle in the area of 13 Mile and Little Mack in Roseville but not finding either Elkins or Booker at the apartments, they're still searching according to Fox and during his video arraignment from Macomb County Jail, Judge Alyia Marie Hakim set Booker's bond at $250,000, cash or surety. In a statement obtained by Macombgov, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido expressed sympathy for Elkins' family and emphasized the impact of Booker's alleged deception on the investigation.
Booker's military background was brought forth in the hearing, with his DD-214 record noting a "less than honorable" discharge from the U.S. Army; currently, he is unemployed and if he posts bond, he is required to wear a GPS tether. Monika Elkins, Ashley's mother, shared her distress, speaking on how her daughter's absence has left her children screaming and hollering, asking why someone would do this to their mother, in a heart-wrenching interview with CBS News Detroit.
With a probable cause hearing set for January 22 and a preliminary exam on January 29, the seriousness of the situation is palpable. Meanwhile, the family attorney and spokesperson Maurice Morton suggested to CBS News Detroit that "based on the evidence that was shared with us by police, that she's deceased." Authorities and the family continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact the Warren Police Department or the Roseville Police Department.
