In a chilling case out of Macomb County, Michigan, 33-year-old Deandre Booker stands charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, disinterment and mutilation, and concealing the death of his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Lashay Elkins.
The case has garnered attention due to startling evidence uncovered during the investigation, including disturbing Google searches made by Booker in the days leading up to and after Elkins’ disappearance.
Disturbing Google Searches Reveal Premeditation
Booker was initially arrested on January 8, 2024, for allegedly lying to police about the disappearance of 30-year-old Elkins. However, further investigation would later lead to murder charges, as prosecutors claimed Booker killed Elkins on January 2, 2024, and disposed of her body in the days following the crime.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence that emerged in court were a series of unsettling Google searches made by Booker. According to authorities, Booker’s search history raised red flags starting as early as December 22, 2024.
Some of the alarming searches included “telling god I want to kill someone,” followed by searches for “9mm silencer Roseville” and “murder out of rage ex.” Prosecutors argue these searches demonstrate that Booker was already contemplating violent actions against Elkins.
The following week, more troubling searches appeared. Booker allegedly searched “shoot gun through pillow,” “shotgun throw pillow,” and “can you track location when phone is off,” suggesting he was preparing for or attempting to cover up a violent crime.
These searches, prosecutors argue, show that Booker had not only premeditated the murder of Elkins but also went to great lengths to research methods of committing the crime and evading detection.
The Most Chilling Search: “What Happens to Trash After It’s Picked Up?”
However, the most telling search reportedly came on January 5, 2024, three days after Elkins’ last known whereabouts. The search was simple yet chilling: “What happens to trash after it’s picked up.”
According to Detective Chris Moran of the Roseville Police Department, this search is significant because it suggests that Booker may have disposed of Elkins’ body in a dumpster, which aligns with later findings in the investigation.
Authorities had already discovered blood in the dumpster at Booker’s apartment complex, prompting them to focus their efforts on the possibility that Elkins’ body had been discarded.
Detective Moran argued that the search indicated Booker’s concern over the fate of the body after it was placed in the trash, further implicating him in the disposal of Elkins’ remains.
Blood Found in Booker’s Apartment
After Elkins’ disappearance, Booker called police to request a walk-through of his apartment, during which they reportedly discovered blood in the bathroom and throughout the residence.
These bloodstains, along with the incriminating Google searches, led investigators to suspect foul play, which ultimately resulted in his arrest on January 31, 2024.
Five days after Elkins was last seen, her car was discovered, and police began to search Booker’s apartment. Investigators also visited the Pine Tree Acres Landfill in Lenox Township in an attempt to locate her body. Despite extensive efforts, Elkins’ remains have yet to be found, leaving her family and the community in suspense as they await answers.
Investigation and Search for Justice
The case took a darker turn when prosecutors began to connect the dots between Booker’s actions, his internet searches, and the blood evidence. Investigators suspect that Booker may have killed Elkins in a fit of rage after an altercation on January 2, possibly related to their past relationship.
It is unclear what exactly transpired that day, but the evidence suggests that Booker was preparing to commit the crime well in advance.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido expressed his commitment to seeking justice for Ashley Elkins and her family, stating, “Our hearts are with Ashley’s family as they endure this unimaginable pain, and we remain committed to seeking justice for them and our community. No one should suffer such a loss, and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability.”
Booker’s Trial and Legal Proceedings
As the trial of Deandre Booker continues, the Macomb County community remains on edge, grappling with the horrifying details of the case. The disturbing Google searches, the blood evidence, and the continued search for Elkins’ body all paint a troubling picture of premeditated violence and a desperate attempt to conceal a brutal crime.
Booker has been charged with a variety of serious offenses, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, and his trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks. With Elkins’ body still missing, the investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of Booker’s actions.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go to cover up their crimes and the chilling reality of premeditated violence.
It also underscores the importance of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations, as Google searches have played a critical role in providing investigators with crucial insights into Booker’s state of mind before and after the crime.
A Community in Shock
The case has left a deep impact on the local community, as residents and family members of Ashley Elkins continue to grapple with the brutal nature of the crime.
For her family, the pain of losing a loved one in such a horrific manner, combined with the uncertainty of not yet recovering her body, has been unbearable.
As the trial moves forward, the pursuit of justice for Ashley Lashay Elkins remains at the forefront, as her family and the community seek answers and accountability for the senseless and violent crime committed by Deandre Booker.
