A Michigan man who was arrested following the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend allegedly searched “is blood traceable” and “how to beat a polygraph” online, according to prosecutors.
The new details were revealed during 32-year-old Deandre Booker’s arraignment on Thursday.
The Context
Ashley Elkins, 30, was last seen on January 2 in Roseville. She left her ex-boyfriend’s home to run errands at around 8:30 a.m., according to her missing poster. Her family reported her missing the next day. She is described as a Black woman standing around 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds.
Elkins has two children, aged 7 and 10. Her uncle, Maurice Morton, told Detroit news station WXYZ that she is “always in contact with her family,” and this lack of communication is “uncommon.”
As of January 2, there are over 3,200 missing persons in Michigan, according to Michigan State Police.
What To Know
Law enforcement officials announced Booker’s arrest on Wednesday. He was arraigned on one charge of lying to a peace officer in connection with the case.
Prosecutors alleged Booker made several misstatements to a detective. They also said he searched on Google for the fastest route from Flint to Ohio and how to delete Google history.
Officials told the family that they believe Booker murdered Elkins, Morton told WXYZ.
Police recovered Elkins’ silver Chevrolet Malibu. Investigators also searched Booker’s home and recovered a dumpster from the apartment complex.
Before Elkins’ disappearance, Booker allegedly came to her home after scheduling a hair appointment under a fake name. Elkins works out of her home as a hairstylist.
What People Are Saying
Ashley’s mother, Monika Elkins, to WXYZ: “I FaceTimed her. She didn’t answer. So I said to her, ‘Just be mindful about your surroundings, pay attention to where you’re going,’ and she didn’t call back. That’s not like her.”
Morton, to WXYZ: “The family is obviously very devastated. We’re happy to hear about an arrest. But tonight, we met with Roseville and Warren police departments, and they indicated to us that based on the evidence that Ashley had been murdered and by the ex-boyfriend at his home.”
What Happens Next
Booker’s bond was set at $250,000. He is expected to appear in court again later this month.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Warren Police Department at 586-574-4784.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact [email protected].
The post Man Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend Had Disturbing Search History appeared first on Newsweek.
