ROSEVILLE (WWJ) -- A Roseville man has been arranged on a criminal charge in connection with the case of his missing ex-girlfriend.
Deandre Howard Booker, 32, was arrested in Genesee County on Wednesday and appeared in Roseville District Court for an arraignment Thursday on one count of Lying to a Police Officer During a Violent Crime Investigation, a four-year felony.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, it's alleged that from Jan. 4 through Jan. 7, Booker repeatedly lied to police officers and "willfully provided false and misleading information" in the investigation into the disappearance of Ashley Lashay Elkins.
Elkins, a 30-year-old hair stylist and mother of two, hasn't been seen or heard from since the morning of Jan. 2, when she left her home to run errands.
Police said an investigation found Elkins may have been at an apartment within the Hampton Court Apartments in Roseville, where Booker lives. On Tuesday, authorities "determined that there was a strong possibility of foul play involved in this incident," police said, leading to a search of Booker's apartment.
Tuesday night, police recovered Elkins' 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.
No further charges have been filed in this case, as the investigation continues.
"Our hearts go out to the family of the missing woman during this difficult time," said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement. "Providing false information to law enforcement in a case like this not only hinders the investigation but adds further pain and uncertainty for the loved ones searching for answers. We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring that every effort is made to bring resolution to this case."
Attorney Maurice Morton told WWJ Newsradio 950 they were devastated 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."
Anyone with information about Elkins's disappearance is asked to call the Roseville Police Department at 586-447-4483.