DETROIT (WXYZ) — A Detroit man has been charged in the death of a young woman whose body was found in a dumpster.
According to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, 50-year-old James Cockerham was charged with first degree murder, torture and unlawful imprisonment in the murder of 27-year-old Elizabeth Laird. Her body was found in a dumpster at the Parkview Apartments on the city's west side last Wednesday.
On Friday, police identified Cockerham as the suspect in her murder and a day later on Saturday, he was arrested. He was arraigned on the charge Monday afternoon and the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. He was remanded to the custody of the Wayne County Jail and will appear in court again on May 31.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said investigators worked with state and federal partners to find Cockerham, who he called a career criminal.
"Our investigators were relentless. They continued to work, in fact they came in today on their off day following tips, following leads. And that violent, predatory, cowardly suspect is now in custody," Chief Craig told 7 Action News.
He said this case is not related to a gang or any other homicide.
We're told Laird and Cockerham met on the elevator of the apartment building. Police do not believe he lived at the apartment complex. They are working to find out how he got onto the gated property.
Laird's family said she was there visiting her boyfriend. It's unclear how Cockerham gained access to the building, which is gated.
"My daughter was bright. She was intelligent. She always wanted to be someone special in life," Cann said.
Laird was someone who cherished family, loved to laugh, and "wanted to save lives," according to Cann.
Laird's family has created a Go Fund Me page to help pay for funeral costs. Click here to support the family .
