Missing Hairstylist’s Ex Believed to Be on Video Lifting Heavy Object — with Possible Arm Sticking Out — Into Dumpster

The ex-boyfriend of Michigan mom Ashley Elkins, who went missing in January, is believed to be the man seen on security camera footage pushing a cart with what looked like an arm hanging from it, according to local police.

Deandre Booker, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Elkins’ disappearance from her Warren, Michigan, home. She was last seen there on Jan. 2, PEOPLE previously reported.

Elkins’ family pushed hard for police to investigate after she vanished, launching their own campaign to get answers.

Police first arrested Booker in nearby Roseville, Michigan, for lying to an officer. Later in January, he was charged with murder, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.

During a search of Booker’s home, investigators said they found evidence showing Elkins may have been the victim of a “crime of violence,” according to Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski.

Despite an extensive search, Elkins has never been found.

In a court hearing last week, Roseville Detective Chris Moran testified that police obtained security footage showing a man—believed to be Booker—pushing a cart toward a dumpster, WDIV Local 4 and The Detroit News reported.

The cart appeared to contain something wrapped in a white sheet. The man struggled to lift it into the dumpster, Moran said. He also testified that what looked like an arm was hanging off the cart, per The Detroit News.

Booker’s lawyer questioned the evidence, pointing out that the man’s identity in the video was unclear. However, Roseville Detective Patrick Taylor testified that the clothes worn by the man—dark fur coat, black pants with holes, a black hat, and black shoes with white bottoms—matched what Booker was wearing earlier that day.

Taylor added that during their search of Booker’s home, police found similar clothing, including the dark fur coat. The coat had a faded area that looked like dried blood, according to The Detroit News.

Authorities began focusing on Booker after Elkins’ family tracked her phone to his home, PEOPLE previously reported. Her sister also said that just days before Elkins disappeared, Booker showed up to Elkins’ home salon on New Year’s Eve using a fake name. Elkins hid from him until he left.

Two days later, she disappeared, leaving behind her two young sons.

Booker is facing charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, disinterment and mutilation, and concealing a death. He has pleaded not guilty.