Officer Says Blood Found in Suspect's Apartment in Missing Mom Case

Key Testimonies in the Preliminary Exam for Deandre Booker

During the first day of a preliminary exam for Deandre Booker, a Roseville police officer provided critical testimony regarding the discovery of blood in an apartment linked to the disappearance of Ashley Elkins. Officer Shane Nabozny testified that he found drops of blood in the apartment of a man charged with first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the January disappearance and presumed death of his ex-girlfriend.

Booker, 33, is facing multiple charges, including murder, related to the case of Ashley Elkins, who was last seen on January 2. She was a mother of two boys, aged 7 and 11 at the time of her disappearance. Her family had not heard from her since that day, and she was last seen running errands but never returning home.

The Search for Evidence

Authorities conducted a thorough search of Booker’s apartment complex, including a trash bin, and spent a week searching a landfill in Lenox Township for evidence. On January 7, Ashley Elkins’ car was found near 13 Mile Road and Little Mack Avenue in Roseville, approximately four miles from Booker’s apartment complex.

Booker appeared in 39th District Court in Roseville wearing a black jail jumper and handcuffs. He stood in the jury box, surrounded by law enforcement officers, while four witnesses testified. His attorney, Robbie Lang, was nearby. Before the testimony began, Judge Joseph Boedeker noted that Booker did not want to sit. When questioned, Booker remained silent. Assistant Prosecutor Carmen DeFranco objected, believing this was posturing, but the judge allowed Booker to stand. During the proceedings, Booker was observed smirking at times.

Blood and Other Clues Found in the Apartment

Nabozny testified that he found the apartment door ajar and that it opened when he touched it. A security sweep revealed no one inside. He reported finding a jug of bleach on the counter in the bathroom, a bathtub drain cover removed, and two drops of blood on the tub. After obtaining a search warrant, Nabozny returned to process the evidence and noted that there were no towels on the towel rack and marks on the wall suggesting someone had wiped it down.

He also found debris in the bottom of the tub drain, which he pulled out but could not identify in court. Additionally, he discovered multiple drops of suspected blood in the bathroom, along the vanity, a blood smear on a hallway wall and closet, two different types of garbage bags, and yellow dish gloves on the couch.

Nabozny mentioned that he later learned police had conducted a protective sweep of the apartment on January 3 but was unsure if anyone had seen any evidence the night before. He also stated that he did not know how long the apartment door had been ajar or whether others had entered the apartment before his arrival.

Testimonies from Family Members

Monika Elkins, Ashley’s mother, testified about her close relationship with her daughter. She spoke daily with Ashley and was unaware of her dating anyone. She texted her daughter just after 9 a.m. on January 2 and received a short response. She became concerned when her daughter did not answer her phone or respond to messages, feeling something was wrong.

Monika Elkins added that she had not had contact with Ashley since her disappearance. She also described a Facetime call with Ashley and her sister, who were at a Detroit casino, where they called her after midnight on January 1 to say “happy new year.” She later went to Booker’s apartment on several occasions, including January 2, when she told police that her daughter might have gone there if she had problems and that Booker might have helped her.

On January 3, she was able to enter Booker’s apartment when the door opened after she knocked, but she found no one inside. Another relative found a phone on the ground outside the apartment, which was turned over to Warren police.

Additional Testimonies

A woman who claimed to be a friend of Booker’s testified that she called him on January 3 when she saw police vehicles at his apartment building. She wore a hijab covering her face and head and mentioned that she had recently started practicing Islam. She said Booker asked if the police were looking in the trash and requested money for a locksmith because he was locked out of his apartment.

The preliminary exam is scheduled to continue on August 8. This case has drawn significant attention, especially as the community continues to seek answers and justice for Ashley Elkins.