5 Key Updates On The Ashley Elkins Case: The Tragic Disappearance Of A Michigan Mother

The tragic disappearance of Ashley Elkins, a 30-year-old mother of two from Warren, Michigan, remains one of the most closely watched true crime cases in the state. As of today, December 12, 2025, the legal proceedings against her ex-boyfriend, DeAndre Booker, are continuing, with the Macomb County court system working to bring justice in a case where the victim's body has yet to be found. The detailed timeline of her final known movements and the subsequent investigation into her ex-partner have painted a disturbing picture for investigators and the public alike, revealing a case built on circumstantial evidence, odd communication, and surveillance footage. The latest court updates and the exhaustive efforts by the Warren Police Department to locate Ashley Elkins’ remains are crucial for her family, who continue to seek closure. This article provides a comprehensive and respectful look at the confirmed facts of her life, the full timeline of her disappearance, and the current status of the murder case against the man accused of taking her life.

Ashley Elkins: Confirmed Biography and Disappearance Timeline

Ashley Elkins was a 30-year-old woman residing in Warren, Macomb County, Michigan. She was a dedicated mother and a self-employed professional with a career in the beauty industry.

• Full Name: Ashley Elkins
• Age: 30 years old (at the time of disappearance)
• Residence: Warren, Michigan
• Profession: Hairstylist/Hairdresser, working out of her home salon.
• Family: Mother of two young sons.
• Date Last Seen: January 2, 2025 (approximately 8:30 AM).
• Location Last Seen: Leaving her home in Warren, Michigan, reportedly to run errands for her salon.
• Suspect Charged: DeAndre Booker, 32, of Roseville, Michigan (her ex-boyfriend).

The timeline of her disappearance began on the morning of January 2, 2025. Elkins told her family she was heading out to a beauty supply store to purchase inventory for her home business. She was never seen again by her family or friends.

Her family reported her missing the following day after she failed to return home and subsequent text messages from her phone were described as "odd" and out of character.

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The investigation quickly focused on her ex-boyfriend, DeAndre Booker, who was initially charged with lying to police in connection with the investigation.

However, after a month of intense investigation, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office upgraded the charges to include first-degree premeditated murder, despite the absence of a body.

The Shocking Charges Against DeAndre Booker

The decision to charge DeAndre Booker with murder without a body is a significant development, indicating that prosecutors believe they have compelling evidence of a homicide.

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Booker, a resident of Roseville, Michigan, faces multiple serious felony charges related to the disappearance of the mother of two.

The charges levied against him are:

• First-Degree Premeditated Murder.
• Tampering with Evidence.
• Disinterment or Mutilation of a Dead Body.
• Concealing the Death of an Individual.

These charges suggest a theory by the prosecution that Booker not only killed Elkins but also took deliberate steps to hide her body and destroy evidence related to the crime.

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The preliminary exam, where a judge determines if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, has been a major focus of recent court activity.

Key Evidence Presented During Court Hearings

The preliminary hearing has brought forth key pieces of evidence that investigators believe link DeAndre Booker directly to Ashley Elkins’ presumed death and the subsequent concealment of her body.

One critical piece of evidence introduced was testimony regarding the "odd text messages" sent from Elkins’ phone after her disappearance.

Family members testified that the messages received were uncharacteristic of Ashley’s communication style, suggesting someone else was operating her phone.

Furthermore, surveillance video evidence was presented, which reportedly shows the suspect, DeAndre Booker, lifting a heavy object.

Police believe this footage captures Booker moving Elkins’ body shortly after the alleged murder.

Another disturbing detail revealed was that Booker allegedly made a fake appointment for a haircut under the guise of being a client to gain access to Elkins’ home on the day she disappeared.

This suggests a premeditated element to the crime, which aligns with the first-degree premeditated murder charge.

The court proceedings, including the preliminary exam, have been ongoing, with a judge recently delaying a ruling to take more time to review the extensive evidence presented.

The Ongoing Search and Community Impact

Despite the murder charge, the most agonizing aspect of the case for Ashley’s family remains the fact that her body has not been recovered.

The Warren Police Department and Macomb County authorities have repeatedly stated that their search efforts are ongoing, utilizing all available resources to locate her remains.

The community response has been immense, with numerous vigils and public pleas from Elkins' family for anyone with information to come forward.

The case has deeply affected the Warren and Roseville communities, highlighting the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating impact a missing person case has on a family.

The family has consistently used media appearances to keep Ashley's name and story in the public eye, hoping that continued awareness will lead to the breakthrough needed to find her.

The charges of concealing the death and disinterment of a body are specifically designed to address the suspect’s alleged actions in hiding her, and the prosecution has expressed confidence in their leads regarding the location.

What’s Next in the Ashley Elkins Murder Case?

The legal process is currently moving through the preliminary stages in Macomb County court.

The next major step will be the judge's ruling on whether the evidence presented during the preliminary exam is sufficient to bind the case over for a full trial in circuit court.

If the case is bound over, DeAndre Booker will face an arraignment on information, formally entering a plea to the murder and related charges.

The prosecution's ability to secure a conviction will rely heavily on the strength of the circumstantial evidence, including the surveillance footage, the suspicious text messages, and the testimony of family and police, as there is no physical body.

The family of Ashley Elkins continues to hold onto hope that the legal proceedings will ultimately pressure the accused to reveal the location of her remains, allowing them to finally lay their daughter and mother to rest.

The ongoing search for Ashley Elkins is a constant reminder of the unfinished business in this tragic case, a search that will not end until the mother of two is brought home.