WARREN (WWJ) — The family of a missing Warren woman is devastated, as they now believe she was murdered.
Ashley Elkins hasn't been seen or heard from since the morning of Jan. 2, when she left her home to run errands.
Elkins' ex-boyfriend was arrested on Wednesday in Genesee County, and court records show he will be arraigned on Thursday on a charge of lying to a peace officer.
Elkins' uncle, Attorney Maurice Morton, on Tuesday told WWJ Newsradio 950 that police wanted to meet with the family, and that they were "bracing for some critical information."
Wednesday evening, Morton said they family was shattered by the news that police believe Elkins is dead — but they're but relieved that there has been an arrest.
"It's about justice," Morton said. "Because there was a monster out there that took a very beautiful young lady away from us. And if you heard the tears coming from her children tonight, it was just absolutely heartbreaking."
While no murder charges have been filed, Warren and Roseville police say they are "actively pursuing numerous leads" as they continue to investigate.
The 30-year-old hair stylist and mother of two was last seen leaving her home around 8:30 a.m. Jan. 2. She was reported missing the following day.
Preliminary indications suggested that Elkins may have been at an apartment within the Hampton Court Apartments in Roseville, where her ex-boyfriend lives, police officials from Warren and Roseville said in a joint press release.
On Tuesday, authorities "determined that there was a strong possibility of foul play involved in this incident," likely occurring at Hampton Court. That led to a search at the ex-boyfriend's apartment and the Roseville Police Department taking the lead on the investigation.
Authorities searched his apartment — reportedly the last place her phone pinged — on Tuesday, as well as a dumpster at the complex that was ultimately seized by police.
During Tuesday's search, officials say they found "significant evidence," including forensics, which will be further analyzed by the Michigan State Police.
Elkins' car, a silver Chevy Malibu, was recovered Tuesday night in the area of 13 Mile and Little Mack, according to police. Police also seized a trash dumpster from her ex-boyfriend's apartment complex.
To date, the Warren Police Department has executed nearly 20 search warrants, conducted comprehensive video canvasses, examined numerous pieces of digital evidence and conducted numerous interviews with friends and family members, officials said. The Roseville Police Department has also "dedicated numerous resources to this very important investigation," officials said.
Elkins's current boyfriend told WWJ that her ex-boyfriend tried to book a hair appointment at her home salon on New Year’s Eve, but when he showed up and knocked on the door, she didn’t answer.
Two days later she was reported missing and her family has been frantically searching for answers. Her current boyfriend said he believes Elkins’s ex may have been stalking her.
On Tuesday, Attorney Maurice Morton — also Elkins’ uncle — told WWJ that police indicated that they wanted to meet with the family, and that they were "bracing for some critical information."
Wednesday, Morton said they family was devastated by the news that police believe she is dead — but they're but relieved that there has been an arrest.
"It's about justice," Morton said. "Because there was a monster out there that took a very beautiful young lady away from us. And if you heard the tears coming from her children tonight, it was just absolutely heartbreaking."
Police, meanwhile, are not releasing any further details about the case.
“The Roseville Police Department and Warren Police Department are actively pursuing numerous leads and remain in contact with Ms. Elkins’ family,” the departments said in the joint press release. “This is an ongoing and active investigation and we understand the media and public’s interest. We kindly request patience, as thorough investigations and due process require careful attention to detail. Further updates will be provided to the media as they become available.”
Anyone who knows something about Elkins's disappearance is asked to call the Roseville Police Department.