Where Is Ashley Elkins? Missing Hairstylist Likely Met ‘Violence,’ as Ex Is Accused of Lying to Police

PEOPLE
Samira Asma-Sadeque
January 9, 2025

Authorities in Michigan arrested a man nearly a week after his ex-girlfriend disappeared, although the woman remains missing.

Ashley Elkins, 30, a hairstylist and mother of two, was last seen leaving her Warren, Mich., home on Jan. 2, Warren police said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, authorities arrested her ex-boyfriend DeAndre Howard Booker from nearby Roseville on a charge of lying to a peace officer in connection with the case, Lieutenant John Gajewski with the Warren Police Department confirms to PEOPLE.

The specific allegations against Booker were not immediately clear.

Booker, 32, was arrested following a search of his home, and Gajewski says recent developments in the investigation indicate a “crime of violence took place in Roseville.” Booker has not been charged with a crime related to harming Elkins.

The Roseville Police Department, which is now the primary investigative agency, was not available for further information when contacted by PEOPLE.

The investigation began after Elkins’ family reported her missing on Friday, Jan. 3. Police found information indicating that Elkins’ was at Booker’s residence in Roseville, per the statement. When Roseville police responded to the location, they were unable to find either of the two.

Further investigation, including review of digital evidence, led police to believe “there was a strong possibility of foul play involved in this incident,” which likely took place at Booker’s residence, Gajewski claimed in the police statement.

During a search of Booker’s residence, Roseville police collected several items including a trash dumpster. They also located Elkins’ vehicle near his home, per police.

Booker’s arrest comes amid pressure from Elkins’ friends and family members, who suspect his involvement in the case.

Elkins’ mother Monika alleges that before her daughter disappeared, Booker allegedly came to Elkins’ home after scheduling a hair appointment under a fake name, WXYZ and Click On Detroit reported.

“He knocked on the front door and the side door and he left,” Monika told WXYZ, “And here, it’s… days later and she’s gone.”

Once Elkins realized who it was, she remained quiet inside the house until Booker left, Monika says.

Gajewski declined to comment on Monika’s allegation, citing the ongoing investigation.

According to Maycomb County jail records, Booker is being held without bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.

Photo credit: Black and Missing Foundation