Morning 4: Search for Ashley Elkins in Macomb County landfill could be coming to an end -- and other news

Here are the top stories for the morning of Jan. 17, 2025

Ashley Elkins (Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.


Search for Ashley Elkins in Macomb County landfill could be coming to an end

A week-long search at a Macomb County landfill could be coming to an end at some point on Friday.

Police and volunteers have been searching for any clues in the disappearance of Ashley Elkins.

It follows charges being filed against her ex-boyfriend, whom police believe played a role in her death.

Read more here.


Na’Ziyah Harris murder case: Disturbing texts, search history read aloud in court

A man will soon head to trial in the murder case of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris, a Detroit girl who went missing in January 2024.

A preliminary examination was held on Jan. 6, 2025, to determine if there’s enough evidence for Jarvis Butts to stand trial in the suspected murder of Na’Ziyah, even though she has never been found.

He is expected to appear in court on Jan. 17, 2025.

Read more here.


Detroit Lions host ‘Streaking’ Commanders in potential high-octane NFC Divisional Round showdown

The wait is over as the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions will look to hunt down prey inside Ford Field and play host to the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.

Kickoff is at 8 p.m., and the football world should be in for a treat as the Commanders are rolling into the matchup riding a six-game winning streak after kicker Zane Gonzalez doinked them past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 47-yard field goal as the clock expired in a 23-20 Wild Card victory.

Read more here.


Washtenaw County cold case from 1981 still under investigation

A Washtenaw County cold case from 1981 is still under investigation.

Mary Ellicott of Saline was last seen on Oct. 11, 1981, leaving the Polar Bear Bar in Saline Township. Her body was found 13 days later in a grassy field, less than 2 miles away.

Ellicott, 29, was well known at the bar. Police said she had quit her job as a bartender a week before her death.

The case was reopened in 2021. At the time police said more resources, not a major tip, led to the decisions to reopen the case. The case still has not been solved, but detectives and student investigators are still working the case.

Read more here.


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