ROSEVILLE (WWJ) -- Police have called off the search for the body of a missing Warren woman at a landfill in Macomb County.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family of Ashley Elkins on Monday, the family said they've learned from Roseville police that the search for Ashley's remains at the landfill, in Lenox Township, "has concluded without success."
The statement continues: "Though we are disappointed in the results, we are appreciative of the efforts of more than 50 law enforcement officials and volunteers. We are requesting privacy at this time as we await a charging decision by the Macomb County Prosecutors office. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support."
Elkins was last seen on Thursday, Jan. 2 when she left her home to run errands. Authorities said they suspected foul play, and Elkins' ex-boyfriend, 32-year-old Deandre Booker, was arrested and charged with lying to police.
Roseville police and about a dozen other local police agencies began searching the Pine Tree Acres Landfill the morning of Monday, Jan. 13. After a third day of searching last week, Roseville Police Chief Mitch Berlin told reporters crews had found some items of interest within a 6.5-acre parcel of the landfill they were focused on.
Berlin said at that time that the search, in bitter cold temperatures, was quite a laborious process.
“The trash is very dense, it's compacted, so, pushing it is very difficult and, walking on it once the bulldozers go over, it's very hard,” Berlin said.
Police officials previously said the investigation found Elkins may have been at an apartment within the Hampton Court Apartments in Roseville, where Booker lives, leading to a search of Booker's home.
That’s the same day police recovered Elkins' car in the area of 13 Mile and Little Mack, according to police. Authorities also seized a trash dumpster from the ex-boyfriend's apartment complex.
Attorney Maurice Morton, Elkins’ uncle, told WWJ Newsradio 950 that the family believes Elkins was murdered, likely at Booker’s home.
An online fundraiser has since been launched to help Elkins' two young sons.
The message on the GoFundMe page reads: "Ashley LaShay Elkins had big dreams for herself and her two young sons. Tragically, those dreams were cut short on January 2, 2025. Now, at just 10 and 7, her boys face not only the loss of their beloved mother, but also uncertainty about their care and their future. We are committed to ensuring they are well cared for and have the support and resources they need to keep dreaming and achieve the future their mother envisioned for them."
Those who wish to help can make a donation at this link.