SUSPECT IN DISAPPEARANCE OF WARREN MOTHER FACING MURDER CHARGE
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — The ex-boyfriend of a missing Warren mother is now facing additional charges after police said that DNA collected at what they believe to be the crime scene was matched to her.
Deandre Booker, 32, of Roseville, is facing a first-degree murder charge following the disappearance of Ashley Elkins, a Warren hairstylist and mother of two, who has been missing since Jan. 2.
Roseville Police Detective Sgt. Anthony Coraci said security cameras confirmed that Elkins arrived at Booker’s apartment, located near Frazho Road and Gratiot Avenue in Roseville, in the early morning hours of Jan. 2. Later that day, Booker was seen leaving in Elkins’ car with an unknown female. Booker is then seen returning with the unknown female without Elkins’ car.
ABOVE: Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Carmen DeFranco, left, speaks with Ashley Elkins’ mother, Monika Elkins, before a press conference at the Roseville Police Department Friday, Jan. 31. LEFT: Deandre Booker appears from the Macomb County Jail via Zoom during an arraignment Friday, Jan. 31. Booker is facing additional charges including firstdegree murder related to the disappearance of Ashley Elkins, a Warren mother who has been missing since Jan. 2.
school board member
McCain is the city’s economic development manager
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — Many in the community know Ian McCain as Eastpointe’s economic development manager, for his volunteer work with the city’s community garden, as a Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe board member and more.
Now, he will serve in another capacity: Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education member.
During a special meeting held the afternoon of Jan. 30 at the district’s administration building, the school board voted 6-0 to appoint McCain to an open seat on the board. He will fill the vacancy left when Trustee Cassie Gruenberg resigned her position Jan. 13 due See SCHOOL BOARD on page 12A
Photos by Brian Wells
SECOND FRONT PAGE
School officials prepare for K-5 building transition
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — As part of the Eastpointe Community Schools long-term facilities master plan, the district’s four elementary schools will undergo a transition.
Our next edition will come to homes Feb. 19. Stay current by visiting candgnews.com.
‘It feels great so far’ Eastpointe resident shares memories on her 100th birthday
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
When Reathel Marie Brown turned 100 years old last month — or as some would say, 100 years young — many family members and friends wanted to wish her a happy birthday.
Currently, Bellview and Pleasantview house grades 3-5 while Crescentwood and Forest Park house grades K-2. Next year, all four elementary schools will be K-5, and educators have started the transition for the 2025-2026 school year.
This
QR code will take Eastpointe Community Schools families to a survey to share their thoughts and questions regarding the K-5 transition.
At the Jan. 27 Board of Education meeting, district Communications and Marketing Coordinator Caitlyn Kienitz provided an update on the transition. Her presentation included proposed attendance zones and maps to determine the school boundaries that will be set with the transition. The district said that the zones were created in an attempt to create equitable school sizes while also balancing transportation and safety needs.
“Caitlyn has been absolutely instrumental in spending countless hours playing with the boundary lines as well as current enrollment and School of Choice enrollment,” Superintendent Christina Gibson said. “There will not be an action this evening. This is going to be a board discussion and information for our community.”
The maps represented active families based on the district’s current enrollment in grades PK-4, which will
Therefore, a celebration in her honor was held over two days to accommodate everyone: one on her actual birthday on Friday, Jan. 17, and a second party on the following day.
“It was great,” Brown said. “I said anyone could come over that wanted to.”
Guests showed their love with kind wishes and gifts, including shirts with fun messages. One shirt read, “It took 100 years to look this good.” Another message said, “At 100, I’m still playing with a full deck, but it takes longer to shuffle.”
“I got lottery tickets,” the birthday girl said. “I didn’t win big, but I won.”
Brown’s family spans five generations. She has two daughters, six grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Some live close by while others are out of state, but Brown knows all of them.
“It feels great so far,” Brown said of her 100year milestone.
The centenarian, with the sharp memory and good sense of humor, attributes her longevity to two things.
“A loving family is No. 1,” she said. “No. 2, my work record and my driving record. I’ve been with AAA 55 years. At 22, I got my license.
resident
See CENTENARIAN on page 9A See K-5 on page 13A
years old on Jan. 17. Because so many people wanted to celebrate with her, two birthday parties were held.
‘Let Freedom Ring’ will celebrate Black History Month, poetry
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — If Darolyn Brown was a poem, the words flowing across the page would tell the story of a young girl who grew up reading poetry, used various written passages in her
classroom when she became a teacher, and has several favorite poets she finds inspirational.
Brown will share her love of poetry this month when she presents “Let Freedom Ring: A Poetry Event Celebrating Black History” at the Eastpointe Memorial Library. Two dates are scheduled:
2 p.m. Feb. 11 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Light refreshments will be provided.
In celebration of Black History Month, Brown will recite poems from Black poets James Weldon Johnson, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Robert Hayden and Paul Laurence Dunbar. Audience members, too, will become
more familiar with the work of two poet laureates of Detroit: Dudley Randall and Naomi Long Madgett. All the writers in the presentation are deceased, and Brown is helping to carry on their history.
“I really want people to hear po-
Brown
Photo provided by Lisa Major Eastpointe
Reathel Marie Brown turned 100
Woman sentenced to life in prison following death of child
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — A woman convicted in 2016 of first-degree child abuse was recently convicted of felony murder, as well, several years after the victim died from his injuries.
Hilary Ulp, 46, was sentenced Jan. 28 to life in prison without the possibly of parole, her sentence handed down by Judge Diane Druzinski in Macomb County Cir-
cuit Court. The case was prosecuted over the course of six weeks.
The victim was her then-boyfriend’s son, Nicolas Kuras, who was hospitalized in May 2015 with severe injuries that she had inflicted upon him. The boy was 14 months old at the time.
The following year, Ulp was convicted of first-degree child abuse and sentenced at that time to 11 to 30 years at the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Kuras’ condition worsened, and in
Warren man accused of robbing Roseville bank
ROSEVILLE — A Warren man was arraigned in 39th District Court Jan. 30 for allegedly robbing a bank in Roseville.
Jeffery Larsh, 31, is alleged to have passed a note to a bank teller Jan. 28 demanding $6,000. The teller complied and Larsh allegedly left with the money. Following an investigation by Roseville police, Larsh was taken into custody.
Larsh is charged with bank robbery, a felony that could give him up to life in prison. He was arraigned by Judge Alyia Hakim, who set Larsh’s bond at $25,000 cash or surety, 10%.
“Thanks to the swift work of the Roseville Police Department, the defendant has been apprehended and will now face the full consequences of his actions,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a press release. “Robbing a bank is a serious offense, and our office is committed to holding offenders fully accountable.”
Larsh did not have an attorney assigned to him at press time.
He has a probable cause conference scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 12 with Judge Kathleen Tocco in 39th District Court.
— Nick Powers
January 2021, he died from complications related to his injuries. He was nearly 7 years old when he died. Ulp was then charged with felony murder.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of abuse,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a prepared statement.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss over the years,” he said. “We hope this sentence brings some measure of justice and healing to those who loved Nicolas.”
Records with the Macomb County Circuit Court list Michael J. Cronkright as Ulp’s attorney. Cronkright did not return a request for comment by press time.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
‘SHE WAS JUST A GOOD PERSON’
Vigil held for missing Warren mother
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Green and mahogany balloons floated above a large crowd that gathered in an apartment complex in Roseville. Police vehicles with lights on kept the streets blocked while officers walked through
the crowd, offering condolences and support. People struggled to keep candles lit in the cold weather.
The vigil, held Saturday, Jan. 25, was in honor of Ashley Elkins, a 30-year-old Warren mother and hairstylist who’s been missing since Jan. 2 and is presumed dead. It was held at the Hampton Court apartments in Roseville, the last location her phone pinged before she disappeared.
“I know she’s here. I know this is where
See VIGIL on page 9A
Ulp
Photo by Brian Wells
Ashley Elkins’ mother, Monika Elkins, left, is interviewed by the media at a vigil in memory of her daughter on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Roseville.
Legislators work to alter wage and sick leave changes
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Drastic changes to Michigan’s paid sick leave and minimum wage will go into effect Feb. 21. Both of Michigan’s major political parties are currently trying to rein in these efforts in the Legislature.
Republicans hold a majority in the state House of Representatives, and Democrats hold a majority in the state Senate. This month Republicans passed a pair of bills in the House, and Democrats in the Senate have an alternate plan in its early stages.
The whole issue began in 2018, when two petitions for increased wages and paid sick time received enough signatures to get on the ballot. To block this, the petitions were adopted and amended by Republicans in the state Legislature, dramatically changing what would’ve appeared on the ballot.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined on July 19, 2022, that the adopted and altered acts were unconstitutional. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals but was ultimately upheld by a 4-3 Michigan Supreme Court ruling July 31, 2024.
The current minimum wage is $10.33, or $3.93 for tipped workers.
If nothing happens
If the revisions by Republicans or Democrats are not made, the court’s ruling will go into effect as planned in February.
All workers will receive a pay bump to $12.48 an hour this year, with tipped workers gradually reaching $12 in 2029. The final amounts will be determined by the state’s treasurer.
All employees, including part-time and temporary workers, are entitled to paid sick leave. Every 30 hours an employee works generates one hour of paid sick leave. Employees get 72 hours paid sick time per year at larger companies. However, employers with fewer than 10 employees need to only pay for 40 hours of sick leave a year.
Proposed Republican changes
Two Republican-led bills have passed through the Michigan House of Representatives that would augment the court’s ruling.
“These bills are now bound for the Senate where they will face another vote,” Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, said in a press release. “I urge each senator to consider the needs of the small business in their communities and vote yes. It would be a massive win for Michigan if the Senate followed the example of the House and sent these bills to (the) governor’s desk.”
House Bill 4001, introduced by Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, would tweak the minimum wage changes. It was passed Jan. 23 with a 63-41 vote. Six House members sat out for the vote.
The bill would set the new minimum wage to $12, which is 48 cents less than what would go into effect automatically Feb. 21. The wage would increase by 50 cents in
DOOM TO SERVE AS INTERIM EASTPOINTE CITY MANAGER
EASTPOINTE — A familiar face will be returning to Eastpointe to temporarily fill a vacancy left by the departure of the city manager.
In preparation for City Manager Mariah Walton’s departure from the position, the city has asked former City Manager Elke Doom to serve as interim city manager until a full-time replacement can be found.
“She’s been here before so she’s not someone starting off new; she’s someone who’s worked for the city for several years,” Eastpointe Mayor Michael Klinefelt said at the City Council’s Jan. 21 meeting.
Doom served as Eastpointe city manager from December 2019 until December 2021. The new contract has her set to make
2026, and then increase by $1 each Jan. 1 until 2029. Starting in 2030, the state treasurer would calculate the annual increase.
Tipped workers would receive 38% of whatever the minimum wage is for all other workers.
House Bill 4002, introduced by Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, would alter the paid sick time changes. It passed the same day as HB 4001 with a 67-38 vote. Five members abstained from the vote.
The bill excises the earned sick time for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Workers at larger companies would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, not including hours used as paid leave. Sick leave accrued can carry over from year to
$175,000 annually, paid biweekly, until her term ends. She will not receive benefits.
After a brief discussion at City Council’s Jan. 21 meeting, Doom’s contract was approved unanimously. She is set to begin Feb. 26.
Earlier this year, Walton gave her notice of resignation to the city after taking a position as deputy city administrator with the city of Ann Arbor.
“I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve such an incredible community and wish the city much success,” Walton said of Eastpointe.
Walton was hired as Eastpointe’s city manager in June 2022.
— Brian Wells
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporters: Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com
Brian Wells | (248) 291-7637 | bwells@candgnews.com
Nick Powers | (586) 498-1059 | npowers@candgnews.com
Andy Kozlowski | (586) 498-1046 | akozlowski@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
year, or an employer can pay the employee the value of the time. Employers do not have to allow more than 72 hours of accrued sick time in a year. They also don’t have to carry over more than 72 hours from one year to the next.
“We have heard again and again from thousands and thousands of restaurant workers whose jobs are at risk,” Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, said in a press release. “The Legislature has both the duty and ability to protect this vital industry and its employees. But the clock is ticking; we need Senate Democrats to do the right thing and join us in the fight to save Michigan’s threatened hospitality industry.”
See WAGE on page 13A
Mike Low | (586) 498-1079 | mlow@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 |
Bills currently in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives address changes to the minimum wage and sick leave for workers.
MACOMB HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW FEB. 15-16
WARREN — Homeowners thinking about updating their kitchens, redecorating their bathrooms or adding new landscaping should check out the Macomb Home Improvement Show. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center, located at 14500 12 Mile Road.
Homeowners can take advantage of “show only” discounts and enjoy savings on everything for their homes. Local home improvement professionals will be on-site to discuss the latest in kitchen and bath designs, room additions, roofing options, swimming pools, spas, siding, decks, landscaping, pavers, and patio furniture. Attendees also can look at floor coverings, windows, doors and more. There will be a number of artisans offering unique handmade items for the home, as well. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit yourhomeshows.com.
No horsing around
GO TEAM!
EASTPOINTE — Lutheran Fraternities of America No. 57 will hold a Super Bowl watch party on the big screens Feb. 9. The LFH Hall is located at 16140 Aurora Ave., near Gratiot Avenue and Nine Mile Road.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Pre-paid tickets cost $30 each and tickets will cost $40 at the door. There will be 50/50 drawings, jersey raffles and squares. Admission for children 18 and younger costs $15; they will not be entered into pre-paid raffles.
The evening will include Savvy Sliders, wings, a nacho bar, desserts, beer, wine and soft drinks. To reserve your spot, call or text (586) 354-8949.
ROSEVILLE/FRASER — The Roseville Lady Panthers softball team will hold its “A Night at the Races” fundraiser Feb. 14 at Vintage House, 31816 Utica Road in Fraser. Tickets cost $50 each. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are available by calling Andy at (302) 607-3738. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Those who attend must be at least 21 years old. During the evening, attendees will watch prerecorded horse races narrated by an announcer to compete for the trophy. Raffles will be held during the evening.
Library events in Eastpointe
EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Memorial Library will hold a PJ storytime event at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and a Chess Club event at 6 p.m. Feb. 20. The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave. For more information, call (586) 445-5096.
Program will highlight shopping at Crowley’s
ROSEVILLE — The Roseville Historical & Genealogical Society will hold a presentation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 about Crowley’s department store. Historian Bruce Kopytek will give the presentation, which will be held at Roseville Middle School, located at 16328 Martin Road. Admission is free. The group typically meets at the Roseville Public Library but changed the venue due to renovations at the library.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FEB. 15
Cardboard Box Drive-In Movie: Bring box to decorate at 1 p.m., watch “Smallfoot” (2018) at 2 p.m., drinks and snacks provided, pajamas encouraged, Recreational Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville, (586) 445-5480, rare-mi.org
FEB. 16
Michigan Psychic Fair: Readings, guidance, energy healings, connections with deceased and more, noon-6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 30300 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, mipsychicfair.com/events
‘Arsenal Of Democracy’: Chris Causley discusses 1946 book by author Donald Nelson, 2 p.m., Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, (586) 872-2581, mimths@mimths.org, mimths.org
FEB. 18
Check Mates: Chess club for all levels ages 12 and older, 6-7:30 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot
Ave., also meets March 18, April 15 and May 20, free but registration required, (586) 445-5407, rsvlibrary service@ roseville-mi.gov, rosevillelibrary.org
FEB. 19
Social Game Club: Table game group for ages 16 and older with special needs, includes light snack and drinks, 4-5 p.m., Recreational Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville, also meets March 19 and April 2, register by noon the day before, (586) 445-5480, rare-mi.org
FEB. 22
Sledding and Cocoa: 11 a.m.-noon, Spindler Park, 19400 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, and Huron Park, 18605 Frazho Road in Roseville, hosted by Recreational Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, (586) 445-5480, rare-mi.org
FEB. 25
Crafty Kids Club: For ages 12 and younger, 6 p.m., Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, also meets March 25, (586) 445-5407, rosevillelibrary.org
STUDENT ARTWORK SOUGHT
LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is holding an art contest for the 2025 State of the State program cover. Michigan’s K-12 students are encouraged to come up with a creative design for the program cover following the theme, “Think Michigan.”
Students are welcome to use crayons, markers, paints or any other materials. For design submissions, visit www.michigan. gov/artcontest and follow the instructions on the webpage. Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Feb. 14. The 2025 State of the State address is scheduled for Feb. 26.
lend out equipment.
RARE medical loan closet is open
ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe has a medical loan closet from which residents can borrow medical equipment for a 30-day period. The following equipment is available: single-prong and four-prong canes, crutches, knee scooters, various walkers, wheelchairs, and transport wheelchairs.
Residents must fill out a form when borrowing an item. The forms are available in the front office. Residents must provide valid identification to borrow the items. RARE is located at 18185 Sycamore St. It is not necessary to call in advance, but residents can do so to make sure a piece of equipment is in stock. Staff members accept wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and crutches as donations. There is a need for knee scooters. No shower chairs or bedside toilets are accepted. For more information, call the main office at (586) 445-5480.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Samantha Stephens, RARE office assistant, is ready to
File photo provided by Macomb Mall
With appreciation
Roseville Community Schools acknowledged School Board Recognition Month at its Jan. 27 Board of Education meeting. Held every January, School Board Recognition Month is part of a national effort cosponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association to build community awareness and understanding about the role that school boards play in their communities.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Trustee Denise Brun, second from right, views the sign that Kaiser Elementary students presented to her.
ABOVE: Students from Steenland Elementary School read a poem they made for school board President Theresa Genest, far right.
RIGHT: Treasurer Matthew McCartney, left, thanks several Roseville High School students for their appreciation during School Board Recognition Month.
Green Elementary School second and third graders present Trustee Michelle Williams-Ward with thank-you gifts.
Girl Scouts chill out with ice fishing experience
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
CLARKSTON — The recent cold front that moved into southeastern Michigan made for the ideal weather conditions for local Girl Scouts to get hooked on ice fishing.
On Jan. 26, about 40 members of various Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan troops from kindergarten through 11th grade and their leaders ventured over to Crooked Lake inside the Independence Oaks County Park to spend an hour learning how to ice fish.
With the temperature at 28 degrees Fahrenheit, there were four one-hour Ice to Table sessions set up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan lead outdoor education program specialist and avid ice fishing angler Paige Wigren helped lead the excursion. She brought her husband, Ryan Wigren, and dad Mark Evans as volunteers.
“This one brought out the dads and the grandpas,” Wigren said. “It was really cool to see three generations on the ice.”
The Scouts, who made sure to dress warmly, used fishing poles and sit-upon buckets during the activity. They also had access to warming shanties and a heated shelter on the shore.
While there are several fishing programs within the GSSEM, this was the first time for the Ice to Table event. Attempts were made in the past, but the ice just wasn’t safe. This year Paige and Ryan tested out the ice first with a propane power auger. At least 6 inches of ice is needed for fishing, and the test showed ice 11-12 inches thick. When the Scouts first made it onto the ice, Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Brown provided them with a number of safety lessons.
Only one fish was caught during the day, but the participants still learned how to fillet a fish and cook it on a portable grill. Evans packed some white crappie and bluegills for the trip, and everyone was invited to try a bite-sized piece of fish.
“They were super excited and curious,” Wigren said. “They can do anything if they put their minds to it. The opportunities in
See ICE FISHING on page 15A
ABOVE: On Jan. 26, about 40 members of various Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan troops enjoyed an ice fishing activity on Crooked Lake inside the Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston.
LEFT: The participants learned how to fillet a fish.
Photos provided by Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
Centenarian
from page 3A
I stopped driving at 98. I had to give up driving when I got glaucoma.”
‘Nobody knew they were working on the atomic bomb.’
Brown was born Reathel Marie Heard on Jan. 17, 1925, in a house in Cullman County, Alabama.
“It was pure country. There was only one main road. It was not paved. Church was the only social activity we had,” she said. “We had to push the school bus up the hill because of the mud. It wrecked my brown and white Sadie Oxford (shoes).”
Her dad, Oscar Adrian Heard, and mom, Lennie Armitta Heard, had seven children; Brown is the oldest. She and her siblings grew up playing homemade games and kick the can outdoors.
“Hopscotch was my favorite,” she said.
Vigil
from page 4A
her soul left her,” said Monika Elkins, her mother.
The apartment complex near Frazho Road and Gratiot Avenue is where Ashley Elkins’ ex-boyfriend, Deandre Booker, lived. He was arraigned in the 39th District Court Jan. 9 on one count of lying to a police officer during a violent crime investigation, a felony that can carry up to five years in prison. Booker was later arraigned on Jan. 31 on four additional charges, including firstdegree murder, after a DNA test matched blood found in his apartment to Ashley Elkins.
At press time, Ashley Elkins’ body has not been found. Law enforcement agencies conducted a weeklong search of a Lenox Township landfill but were unable to find her.
“If (Deandre) is watching, please let us know where she is,” Monika Elkins said. “Whatever happened, it happened. Just give us closure … Just please let me know where she is so I can bury her.”
Monika Elkins described her daughter as the life of the party. She loved her kids and her family, she said.
“She was just a good person. Everybody goes through things in life, but she was a good person,” Monika Elkins said.
At the vigil, Maurice Morton, her uncle, called on law enforcement to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
“Our young women, our mothers, should not have to be abused, should not
When not in school, her first job was picking cotton from ages 10-18. She wore socks with the fingers cut out to help protect her hands. By the time she entered West Point High School, the teenager was known for being a paddleboard tennis champ.
“I graduated in 1943. I think there was only 22 people in my class,” she said. “A lot of the boys went into the Army or Navy (during) World War II.”
After high school, Brown enrolled at the Alabama School of Trade. It’s where a handsome young man named Roy Brown caught her eye and her heart. They dated, fell in love, got married and started a life together. While residing in Browntown, Alabama, Roy built the couple’s home. And as they say, opposites attract.
“He was a John McCain, Reagan Republican and I was a yellow dog Democrat,” said Brown, adding, “I voted every year since I was 20 years old.”
Since Roy was a “very proficient laySee CENTENARIAN on page 14A
have to be killed, should not have to be subjected to domestic violence at the hands of loved ones, ex-boyfriends, husbands, boyfriends and the like,” he said. “We need to make sure this is not normalized, and we have to recognize it for what it is. It’s evil. It’s wrong.”
Among the attendees at the vigil were Roseville Police Chief Mitchell Berlin and several of his officers, who had worked at the landfill to try to find her body.
“We always try not to let things get personal on the job, but this got personal for a lot of us,” Berlin said. “These officers want to find Ashley to provide closure. Also, to provide justice in the form of life imprisonment without the chance of parole for the person that committed this crime.”
Berlin also commended the officers who had worked at the landfill.
“The operation at the landfill was intense and very difficult but each of those officers volunteered to be there,” he said. They volunteered to do this for one reason, because they truly care about the people they are sworn to protect.
“We have some remarkable officers and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” he added.
Before releasing the balloons into the air at the conclusion of the vigil, Monika Elkins addressed the crowd.
“Ashley, we love you. May you rest in peace,” she said through a police loudspeaker.
A GoFundMe effort was started to raise money for Ashley Elkins’ family. At press time, it had raised $12,160 of its $20,000 goal.
Later, Roseville police executed a search warrant at Booker’s apartment.
“We conducted a search warrant on the residence and ultimately found what was believed to be a large crime scene with a substantial amount of blood in the bathroom,” he said. “DNA confirms that the blood did in fact belong to the victim.
“Since Jan. 2, the victim has not been seen or heard from, has not had contact with their family and no banking activity. This leads us to believe that the victim is in fact deceased and the defendant is responsible for her death and disappearance,” he said.
In addition to Booker’s existing charge of lying to police during a violent crime investigation — a felony that can carry up to five years in prison — Booker is now facing additional charges of first-degree premeditated homicide, a life felony; tampering with evidence, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; dismemberment and mutilation of a dead body, a 10-year felony; and concealing a death, a fiveyear felony.
Booker was arraigned on the new charges in the 39th District Court in Roseville Jan. 31. He is scheduled to appear before District Court Judge Joseph Boedeker for a probable cause conference at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 5.
Attorneys argue Booker’s bond
At a previous hearing, before the additional charges,
Booker’s attorney, Robbie Lang, asked for Booker’s bond to be reduced. The judge ultimately denied the request.
However, at the Jan. 31 arraignment, Lang argued that Booker does not fit into a category where bond can be denied due to Booker not having any previous violent felonies or parole violations. However, if the court continued to determine Booker is a flight risk, it could deny bond, he said.
“I would reiterate that Mr. Booker would not be a flight risk,” Lang said.
Lang asked that the court give Booker a lower bond with the agreement that he would wear a GPS tether and have no contact with the victim’s family if released.
Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Carmen DeFranco asked that if the court does grant a monetary bond, it give him “something in the neighborhood of $5 million cash with no 10%.”
In the end, District Court Judge Alyia Hakim denied bond.
Officials discuss how evidence led to additional charges
At a press conference following the Jan. 31 arraignment, Roseville Chief of Police Mitch Berlin stated that officers had been working tirelessly to develop the case.
“This is an ongoing investigation that detectives continue to work tirelessly, develop more evidence and put together what I feel is an excellent case,” he said. “They’ve obtained enough evidence to present to the prosecutors, who went through it very thoroughly and authorized those charges today.”
While officials didn’t release information on other evidence, they stated the blood in the bathroom was analyzed by
the Michigan State Police Crime Lab and it matched Elkins. However, they declined to say if blood was found anywhere else in Booker’s apartment.
“There was blood that was recovered. It was a match and it was enough to get the charges authorized today,” Berlin said. “We’ll leave it at that.”
While security camera footage showed Booker coming and going from the apartment with an unknown female, she is not believed to be involved, Berlin said.
“We believe he acted alone. There was a video (showing) a second female; it was investigated thoroughly,” he said. “She was not involved.”
As of the Jan. 31 arraignment, Elkins’ body had not been located. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said that he believes they will be able to convict Booker.
“These cases are put together by the totality of the evidence, the statements, the digital evidence that’s provided, and because people who come forward, even during an investigation, may offer more testimony,” he said.
Lucido added that he’s seen a number of cases that have ended with a conviction without a body being located.
“There’s no other way sometimes to explain it when you don’t have a body, except all of the evidence that’s been accumulated,” he said.
Lucido ended by stating he feels optimistic that Elkins’ body will be recovered.
“I’m hopeful, I’m optimistic … but it’s only if somebody or evidence points to where that happens,” he said. “Somebody may cooperate in the investigation. Sometimes it takes a little bit, but I’m hopeful.”
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
DA CLOUD
School board
from page 1A
to health reasons. McCain was appointed to finish her remaining four-year term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2026.
“When we read his letter of intent, he had all the qualifications we were looking for,” school board President Chineva Early said. “He has been very involved in the school district since he’s been here. He’s committed to our district. You can’t understand what’s happening if you’re not here.”
Although McCain works for the city, Early and McCain said his role on the school board is not a conflict of interest.
“The municipality is totally different from the school district,” Early said.
“It’s a separate entity,” McCain said.
McCain will take the oath of office at the district’s next school board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Eastpointe City Hall, 23200 Gratiot Ave. McCain, a 2011 Lake Shore High School graduate, said he’s always been interested in serving in public office.
During the interview process, the school board members asked 10 questions, plus a bonus question. Topics centered on various issues, including what the candidates would do to help pass millage increases and renewals, what would make them more effective as a board member, and what changes they would like to see in the district and their roles in such changes.
During his interview, McCain said he will focus on partnerships and community building if selected to serve.
“Community building really is at the core of everything that I do both in my personal and professional life. How can we bring people together to improve the community, to improve the institutions like the public education system that are so important to the lifeblood of our society, of our economy,” he said. “From a partnership perspective, I’d really like to see us build additional partnerships as a district to improve different things such as current education offerings, offering more Advanced Placement courses as well as potentially offer some foreign exchange programs.”
In his letter of intent, McCain also said he would like to add career and technical education offerings. His letter also highlighted his commitment to the ECS facilities master plan process in which he got to know the district’s students, staff and board members.
“It is clear there are no shortage of challenges in public education today. This means everyone, from students to parents, teachers and administrators, as well as board members and taxpayers must play an active role in preserving and adapting one of our most sacred institutions,” he said in his letter. “Public education must move beyond antiquated Industrial Revolution-era workforce
models, and embrace the diversity of desires, demands, and dreams inherent in today’s school-age citizens. This student-centered approach will ensure our community’s youth are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet and exceed the demands of the near and distant future.”
‘I will support Ian’
Along with McCain, five other applicants were interviewed: Diane Haack, Jon Gruenberg, Christopher V. Curtis Jr., ShaTasha McDonald and Krystal Rucker. Gruenberg, who is Cassie Gruenberg’s husband, served on the school board approximately 20 years. He lost his seat during the Nov. 5, 2024, general election. That prompted a group of residents at last Thursday’s meeting to speak out against his returning to the school board.
Resident Cindy Federle had an issue with the hearing of the public being held before the candidate interviews.
“I feel like we’ve been thrown under the bus. I was told at the school board meeting this week that the hearing of the public would be after the interviews so we could comment on the people who applied for this position,” Federle said. “We have no information. How can we give you an opinion other than to speak against Mr. Gruenberg getting his job back because he was voted out. The will of the people is that he did his job; he needs to step aside and let others take over. … This is not fair that you’re asking us to speak before we hear who the candidates are and what they want out of the district.”
Resident Jennifer Nicholas agreed.
“It would have probably been more helpful if we had heard from all the candidates before we had an opportunity to speak,” Nicholas said.
She also felt anyone applying for the position “should be commended.”
“My issue is with the voting. We did have an election back in November and the voters spoke,” Nicholas said. “In this instance here, voters spoke in November. They voted one person out. You have five other candidates that have never been voted off the school board. And I would focus on looking at their resumes.”
After the meeting, Gruenberg — wearing a T-shirt that read “BECAUSE KIDS” in capital letters — said, “There’s always a handful of people that want to tear you down.” However, he plans to run for school board again in two years.
“My mission isn’t done,” he said.
Gruenberg also shook hands with the board members after the meeting.
“I support this board and the decision 100%,” he said. “I will support Ian.”
As for his wife, Gruenberg said “she’s doing well.” Cassie Gruenberg underwent eye surgery recently and is expected to have a second eye surgery in the near future.
Freedom
from page 3A
etry, like it and enjoy it. I ask people to use their imagination,” the Eastpointe resident said. “I love to bring poetry to people. I like seeing people appreciate it and enjoy poems.”
The Cass Technical High School graduate might even read one of her own pieces, “She Who Is Called Ma,” which she wrote “a long time ago” that pays tribute to her mother.
“It’s about my mom and about her life,” Brown said. “She got married and had five kids. The marriage didn’t last. She raised the kids with grit and determination.”
Brown began reading poems at a young age.
“I would take poetry books from the library,” she said. “I liked the rhythm and the words.”
Anyone who was a student of Brown’s at Osborn High School in Detroit, where she taught English for 32 years, will remember the poetry lessons she had in class. The retired educator, who also taught for two years at Detroit’s Frank Cody High School, often encouraged her students to write their own poems. Most times, they reflected on their families or their feelings. The students received extra credit if they recited them in class aloud.
Along with her love for words with patterns that flow, Brown also looks forward to celebrating Black History Month every February.
“It’s just a reminder of all the great things people of color have done,” Brown said. “It’s a time to stop and think about it.”
“It’s vitally important to celebrate Black History Month because Black history is American history,” Library Assistant Director Christopher McCollum said via email. “The month-long celebration spotlights the contributions of Black people and the impact they’ve had on American culture and society. All too often, these stories are unfairly sidelined, and this is an opportunity to bring them to the forefront.”
Library staff members bring in local programs on a regular basis and felt Brown was the ideal fit for “Let Freedom Ring: A Poetry Event Celebrating Black History.”
“The library believes in partnering with local talent to provide excellent programming for our patrons. We found Ms. Brown’s expertise and passion for poetry to be inspiring,” McCollum said. “Poetry allows the reader and writer to feel the same emotions in a way that is difficult to reproduce in other types of writing, helping build sympathy in its readers. Reading poetry also helps develop a bigger vocabulary and has been shown to help improve literacy among its readers.”
The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave. For more information, call (586) 4455096.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ROSEVILLE
A Public Hearing will be held by the Roseville Planning Commission in the Roseville Civic Center Council Chambers, 29777 Gratiot Ave (VFW Memorial Drive), Roseville, MI on Monday, February 24, 2025 6:30 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City of Roseville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comment regarding rezoning of the property located at:
PP# 08-14-07-429-020
Vacant Eastland FROM R-1 to RM-1
Copies of the proposal may be examined in the City Clerk’s Offce or the Building Department in City Hall during regular business hours. Written comments may be forwarded to the Clerk’s Offce or they may be submitted at the public hearing.
Respectfully submitted, Jennifer A. Zelmanski City Clerk
Published: Eastsider 02/05/2025
McCain
from page 3A
be next year’s K-5 students. School officials used census data, including population density, percentage of owner-occupied homes and percentage of children younger than 18.
According to Kienitz, when the data in the presentation was pulled, the district had 837 resident and 134 nonresident students in grades PK-4. She also said that kindergarten estimates were based on the current Great Start Readiness Program enrollment, which is the free 4-year-old preschool program.
“Not all of them will stay, and based on
from page 5A
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association supported the changes in HB 4001.
“The House has acted to protect 1,000 independent restaurants from closing permanently,” Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, said in a press release. “Now it’s critical for the Senate to follow suit and pass House Bill 4001 immediately. Every day of inaction puts more Michigan restaurant jobs and businesses at risk.”
While some Democrats joined GOP members in approving the votes, some cast a vote against them. Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said in a release following the vote that the bills could have been better.
“We need to support workers receiving wages and benefits they deserve — along with creating a positive climate for employers to thrive,” Tate said in a press release.
Senate Democrats weigh in
Michigan Democratic senators have their own proposed legislation to counter Republican efforts. Sens. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, have introduced bills that would adjust the changes set to take effect in February. The bills are currently being discussed in their respective committees.
Senate Bill 8, introduced by Hertel, changes the schedule of the wage increases. The initial change in February would remain at $12.48. Each subsequent increase would happen Jan. 1. Next year it would be $13.73, and in 2027 it would rise to $15. After that, the treasurer would update the rate each year.
Unlike the Republican legislation, SB 8 would increase the wages of tipped workers. The first year tipped workers would receive 38% of the $12.48 minimum wage. The
our last two kindergarten classes, we should expect between 80 and 100 more kindergarten students districtwide than what is accounted for here,” Kienitz said.
At press time, families were to be notified of their zoned school on Feb 1. Families were scheduled to receive letters that included the upcoming timeline of dates and deadlines, and the process for requesting indistrict transfers.
“We know that some families are going to want to stay at a school. They’ll have the avenue to do that. If that makes more sense for them, if that’s what they want to do, they will still have that option,” Kienitz said.
“Right now we have many, many families who have two to four children split be-
wage would rise in 2%-3% increments each Jan. 1 until hitting 60% in 2035.
SB 15, introduced by Singh, deals with paid sick time. This bill attempts to keep some of the court ruling’s original intent, while sanding down some of its edges.
Earned sick time would stay relatively the same as the Supreme Court ruling, though the threshold for a small business would change from fewer than 10 employees to fewer than 25.
Too much meddling?
The passage of the two Republican bills wasn’t met with enthusiasm everywhere.
“Today, in a bipartisan fashion, the Michigan House of Representatives caved to corporate lobbyists and betrayed Michigan workers by voting to gut the state’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws,” Sam Inglot, the executive director of Progress Michigan, said in a press release.
He said that the majority of Michigan residents supported the original changes as laid out by the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision. He urged the Senate to not make the two pieces of legislation into law.
“HB 4001 and HB 4002 strips workers of a well-deserved and overdue raise and strips too many workers of paid sick leave they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” Inglot said.
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber accused the GOP of “unconstitutional tricks” when adopting and amending the original petition. Bieber advocated for keeping the court’s decision in place.
“Now, less than a month before workers are about to finally get the pay and benefits they deserve, the new Republican majority is trying to pull the rug out from under working families,” he said in a press release. “Every legislator, regardless of their party, should be held accountable for their vote to cut the pay and benefits for workers most in need.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
tween two schools. We don’t know if they’re going to want to stay at the school where they’re zoned; if they’re going to want to stay at one of the schools their child attended previously,” Kienitz said. “We want to give them that option, but we also want to give staffing an opportunity to staff classrooms properly so that we’re ready for the school year. We’ll also include in that the process for our current School of Choice families to request their preferred school placement. We will have them rank those.”
According to the presentation, families living in the zone moving from Forest Park to Bellview will receive additional communication to explain why they’re zoned to a school they may not have expected, and
that they will receive transportation to safely cross Gratiot Avenue. Additionally, families of students receiving special education services in a self-contained classroom will receive separate communications, as building placement for these classrooms is not yet finalized.
Students in Monica Castelow’s fourth grade class at Pleasantview had several questions about the K-5 transition, which was made into a video and can be viewed on the district’s Facebook and Instagram pages, YouTube and at the district’s website, eastpointeschools.org.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
CITY OF ROSEVILLE NOTICE
2025 ANNUAL MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW
NOTICE is hereby given that the 2025 Annual March Board of Review of the City of Roseville, Michigan, will be in session at the Civic Center, 29777 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville, Michigan on:
Monday, March 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Any matters that taxpayers wish to take up with the Board of Review relative to the assessment of their property for the year should be brought before the March Board of Review on the dates mentioned above.
The tentative ratios and equalization factors for the City of Roseville, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department, are as follows:
Appeals by appointment will be accepted Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by calling 586-445-5430. You may submit a written appeal accompanied by a completed Board of Review Petition form L-4035. The form is available at www.roseville-mi.gov under the Assessing Department. Written appeals must be received before the 2025 March Board of Review adjourns.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Notice
City of Roseville will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the Board of Review meeting upon 3-day notice. Please contact the Assessing Department of accommodations at (586)445-5430.
Brook L. Openshaw City Assessor
Respectfully Submitted, Jennifer
A. Zelmanski
Roseville City Clerk
Published: February 5, 2025 February 19, 2025 & March 5, 2025
Published: Eastsider 02/05/2025
Centenarian
worker,” his skills were needed for the topsecret U.S. government Manhattan Project, so the newlyweds moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They didn’t know it at the time, but Roy was among the engineers who made the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945.
“(Roy) was in a machine shop. Everything was secretive,” Brown said. “Nobody knew they were working on the atomic bomb.”
She said “everyone was shocked” when the explosives were released, which soon brought the war to an end.
“They didn’t know whether to be happy or unhappy,” Brown said. “It killed a lot of people but saved America.”
‘She’s remarkable and caring.’
Friends Roy knew from the Manhattan Project encouraged him to move to Michigan to find work at Chrysler. Roy had a hard time finding a place to live because nobody wanted to rent to people with children.
He finally found a flat. For a long time, the family — including daughters JoAnn, born in 1945, and Mary Jane, born in 1949 — lived on Drexel Street in Detroit. Brown found work at the Detroit Gas Regulation Co. making $35 a week. Another job she had was setting up labs for the students at Wayne State University.
“A really nice place to work at 1400 Chrysler Drive, until they built Scott Hall,” Brown said. “We had an underground tunnel. It looked like something from Mars. I still have friends from (WSU). We keep in contact.”
As a young child, JoAnn was stricken with polio. She had to learn to walk again and even appeared in a March of Dimes poster. If Brown had to pick the greatest invention in the last century, it was “polio
shots. It took Dr. (Jonas) Salk several years to find an immunization for polio.”
Brown and her husband enjoyed many life experiences together, including camping. Roy had a camper, and the pair traveled to the 48 contiguous states. After 70 years of marriage, Roy died in 2014. This past December, Brown endured another heartache when daughter Mary Jane died. And just two of Brown’s siblings are still living: sister Alma Heard, 95, and brother Gerney Heard, 92.
Turning 100 gave Brown the chance to reminisce on her life with others, including granddaughters Lisa Major, 53, and Nicole Mann, 47.
“She’s an inspiration,” said Major, of Roseville. “She’s remarkable and caring. She keeps moving.”
Mann, who has a twin sister, Michelle, lives with her grandmother.
“It’s amazing to see her get up at 4 or 5 in the morning and see her constantly doing something,” Mann said. “She’s definitely an inspiration.”
“It might be the cups of Folgers at 5 o’clock in the morning,” Brown said with a laugh.
Brown remains as active as possible. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a nonprofit service organization for women who are directly descended from a patriot of the American Revolutionary War. She also knows how to keep loved ones cozy by making beautiful hand-sewn quilts.
“Everything was by hand. She had a big quilting rack hanging from her ceiling in the basement,” Major said. “She taught me to quilt. I made a few. Her stitches were so perfect. I got mine close to hers, but she did it for so long.”
And Brown consistently keeps up with current events.
“I’m a TV news nut. I’m addicted. MSNBC is my channel and CNN,” she said. “I’m worried about the state of the world right now. All we can do is hope for the best.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Reathel Marie Brown grew up in Cullman County, Alabama. Behind her is the house her husband, Roy Brown, built.
Photo provided by Lisa Major
the Girl Scouts are endless.”
As a child, Wigren was a Girl Scout for many years.
“It helped foster my love for the outdoors and gave me a good level of confidence,” she said.
Wigren added that the GSSEM partnered with local businesses and organizations to make the ice fishing event possible. The Bait Shop, in Waterford, was the bait, tackle and gear supplier. Secondary partners included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, in Trenton, with park rangers Erika Van Kirk and Alex Gilford. Other secondary partners were the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Detroit River Substation in Gibraltar with fisheries biologist Arika Reed, and fisheries and habitat biologist Jocelynne SamuPittard.
Julie Quinn, leader with Troop No. 77339 based in Waterford, took about 10 members ice fishing, including her three daughters Kelsey, 11; Kayley, 9; and Katelyn, 9. Their husband and dad, Shawn Quinn, who fishes often during the summer months, joined them on the frozen lake.
“It was a big area and spread out pretty wide in a horseshoe shape,” Quinn said. “They predrilled the holes and had trails. It was a little chilly. Once the sun peeped out, it wasn’t so bad.”
Although nobody in Troop No. 77339 caught any fish, they still enjoyed the experience.
“It helps the girls know they can do something different and unexpected they normally wouldn’t do and still have fun doing it,” Quinn said.
In an email to the GSSEM, Julie Zawalski shared details on the ice fishing experience she had with daughters Lucille, 12, of Troop No. 77115, and Elizabeth, 9, of Quinn’s Troop No. 77339. Lucille attends West Bloomfield Middle School, and Elizabeth attends Scotch Elementary School in West Bloomfield. Zawalski volunteers for both troops and was a Girl Scout while growing up. Both of her daughters would like to ice fish again.
“I liked learning about ice fishing. It helps the girls learn new skills, as well as get them into the outdoors. It was something I’ve never done before,” Zawalski said via email. “I’m not sure we would’ve tried ice fishing if (Girl Scouts) hadn’t offered it. It requires a lot of gear, which we don’t own. We do have friends who go ice fishing and since they heard that we went, have offered
to take us. I think we might take them up on it sometime.”
The Scouts had the opportunity to earn patches from the ice fishing activity.
The different Girl Scout councils funded the Ice to Table program from their cookie sales that include various flavors from shortbread to thin mints. And get your sweet tooth ready, because it’s time for the annual sale. Cookie booth sales officially begin Feb. 14. In addition, there are some “Big Game” booths that are selling cookies for one day only Feb. 8 in various communities.
“Big Game Booths are an exciting sneak peek that allow customers to enjoy our cookies just in time for the Super Bowl,” Llaren Wynn, vice president of product program and retail operations for GSSEM, said in a prepared statement. “Troops are excited to be among the first to host booths and jump start their cookie business! Troops depend on cookie sales for camp, travel and any number of girl-led adventures.”
For more information on the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, visit gssem.org or call (800) 482-6734.
GIRL SCOUTS ‘BIG GAME BOOTH’ EARLY COOKIE
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Suspects threaten delivery person
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Two unknown male suspects are facing possible strong-armed robbery charges after stealing a package from a Federal Express delivery person when the victim was trying to deliver said package to a home in the 200 block of McKinley Road at around 12:12 p.m. Jan. 7.
The victim told police that one of the suspects claimed to be the homeowner as he stepped out of the passenger side of a vehicle. When the delivery person asked the suspect for identification before handing him the package, he said the suspect wouldn’t provide any. The victim said the suspect tried to rip the package out of his hands.
The driver of the suspect then yelled, “Just give us the package and walk away.” When the victim didn’t comply, he said both suspects became enraged. The suspect who had emerged from the passenger side of the vehicle is said by the victim to have gone back to his vehicle and started rummaging through the back seat, asking the victim, “Is that package worth your life?”
The victim, fearing that the passenger was looking for a gun, finally left the package on the porch so that the suspect could take it.
Thefts reported at senior facility
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to be getting into American House apartments and stealing valuables from the senior residents there. In the most recent incident, a 90-year-old woman reported that between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, someone had apparently entered her unit and stole $16 from her purse. Other residents on the same floor have reported similar thefts. In other recent incidents, $40 was taken from a resident’s purse between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, and an iPad was stolen around Jan. 3 from someone else’s apartment.
The thefts are being classified as home invasions by police because they involve someone entering the apartments rented by the victims.
Prowler arrested
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 28-year-old Toledo man was arrested after he was seen on surveillance cameras peering into vehicles and trying door handles in the area of University Place and Maumee Avenue at 9:35 a.m. Jan. 19. The suspect was facing a possible charge for prowling.
Retail fraud suspects hit Lululemon again
GROSSE POINTE CITY — Two unknown female suspects are said to have stolen an estimated $10,000
one of the suspects tried to distract store employees while the second suspect pulled out a trash bag and filled it with items. The suspects were last seen heading westbound on Kercheval Avenue. Police said the case was under investigation.
Package thief steals resident’s identity
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A resident in the 700 block of Westchester Road learned that an unknown suspect was using her credit card to rack up unauthorized purchases and collect those purchases from her front porch. The victim, who filed a report with police Jan. 14, discovered the criminal activity by watching her Ring doorbell camera footage, which showed the suspect going up to her porch and taking the packages at around 4:16 p.m. Jan. 14. The victim then found unauthorized charges on her credit card. The suspect is said to have driven away from the scene in a gray Ford Escape. The case was under investigation.
Larceny suspects arrested
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Two 22-year-old Detroit men were arrested after they were reportedly seen on the surveillance cameras of several Grosse Pointe Park homes entering vehicles and removing valuables at around 5 a.m. Jan. 12. The suspects are said to have targeted vehicles on Pemberton, Berkshire and Balfour roads and Beaconsfield Avenue. According to a police report, after they were arrested, the suspects confessed to the larcenies. Police said they recovered stolen property from the suspects.
Fox trapped
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 12, a resident in the 21000 block of John Drive called the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office about a fox caught in a fence. Upon arrival, deputies saw several residents assisting the fox and noticed a trap around one of the fox’s legs. Deputies called the Detroit Animal Wildlife Group to free the fox for treatment and rehabilitation. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources was contacted about a possible poaching operation due to the trap.
Hit-and-run
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the corner of Garfield and 22 Mile roads for a hit-and-run collision.
At a red light, a 63-year-old Macomb Township woman apparently reversed her Ford Fusion into a Ram pickup truck. After stepping out of the car and interacting with the Ram’s occupants but not giving them any information, the woman drove off.
reportedly claimed that she did not see any damage on her car and assumed there was no damage to the Ram.
Gas station disturbance
MOUNT CLEMENS — At around 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 8, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Marathon gas station on West Gratiot to deal with a disturbance.
According to a clerk, a 49-year-old Detroit man was asking people at the station for money and yelling at them. While the man was no longer at the station when deputies arrived, they were able to locate him on Park Street and informed him he was no longer welcome at the station.
Confused driver
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Jan. 6 at around 2:40 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the corner of South Gratiot and Church Street to perform a welfare check on the driver of a Chevy Equinox parked in the area.
The driver, later identified as a 66-year-old Westland man, was confused upon waking up and did not know where he was. He initially identified himself with a credit card and refused a field sobriety test. He agreed to a breath test and registered a 0.168 blood alcohol content, leading to his arrest.
Larceny reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 4:47 p.m. on Jan. 6, an
act of larceny was reported in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.
Dispatch told officers a purse had been stolen by a suspect who returned to a restaurant after going to their car. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to an employee of the restaurant, a 49-year-old woman. The employee saw the silver vehicle the suspect drove and stated the purse on the driver’s seat was hers. She stated she placed it on the hostess stand as she was getting ready to leave when the suspect came in and asked her to seat her children while she went back to her car to get something. The employee and her coworker sat the kids and when they returned, the purse was missing.
Video surveillance shows the suspect leaving the restaurant with the purse and going to her vehicle before returning to the restaurant without it. Officers spoke to the suspect, and she claimed she thought it was left behind by someone and intended to take it to the police department. The woman denied taking anything from the purse and a search only showed personal items. The victim and fellow employees stated the suspect tried to flee out the back door when
physically saw a verbal confrontation break out while the suspect tried to leave out the back door. The victim got her purse back and found $250 missing out of the front pouch. The suspect denied taking it when asked by officers. The suspect was placed under arrest, handcuffed and placed in the back of a scout car. She was then transported to the police station. Two other officers tried to question the adult children, but they fled out the back door before officers could question them.
Fraud reported
Vehicle
