Michigan police have located "lookalike" items that could belong to missing mother Ashley Elkins, after a seven-day search of a landfill.
The Roseville Police Department announced the conclusion of the search on Sunday. On the third day of the search, officials found "lookalike" items that will now be laboratory tested, to determine if there is connection to Elkins.
Why It Matters
Mom-of-two Ashley Elkins, 30, was last seen leaving her home on January 2. Her family reported her missing the next day.
Who is Missing Mother Ashley Elkins?
Elkins is a mother to two sons, aged 7 and 10. Her uncle, Maurice Morton, told Detroit news station WXYZ that she is "always in contact with her family," and this lack of communication is "uncommon."
What To Know
Mitch Berlin, Roseville Police Chief, said officials searched a "very large area" of the nearly 700-acre Pine Tree Acres landfill in Lenox Township.
"We worked through the weekend attempting to bring closure for the family," Berlin said in a statement obtained by news site Macomb Daily.
The "lookalike" items will be turned over to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting its own investigation into Elkins' disappearance.
Multiple agencies used drones, shovels, rakes, bulldozers, excavators and cadaver dogs to search the landfill in cold temperatures.
Morton said in a statement to Macomb Daily that the family is "disappointed" with the results of the search, but thanked law enforcement and volunteers for their efforts.
"We are requesting privacy at this time as we await a charging decision by the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support," Morton said.
Elkins' ex-boyfriend, 32-year-old Deandre Booker, was arrested and charged with lying to a police officer earlier this month.
During his arraignment, prosecutors alleged Booker made several misstatements to a detective. They also said he searched Google for "is blood traceable" and "how to beat a polygraph."
Officials told the family that they believe Booker murdered Elkins, Morton told WXYZ.
A GoFundMe to 'support the future dreams of Ashley Elkins' two young sons' has raised over $10,000.
What People Are Saying
Maurice Morton, Ashley Elkins' uncle, told WXYZ: "We met with Roseville and Warren police departments, and they indicated to us that based on the evidence that Ashley had been murdered and by the ex-boyfriend at his home."
What Happens Next
Booker's bond was set at $250,000. He is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Warren Police Department at 586-574-4784.
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