Detroit man charged in death of woman found in dumpster on city’s east side Detroit police search for James Cockerham
James Quill Cockerham (WDIV)
DETROIT – A Detroit man has been charged in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in a dumpster on the city's east side .
UPDATE: Detroit man found guilty after woman’s body discovered in dumpster
James Quill Cockerham, 50, was arrested Saturday in connection with the homicide of Elizabeth Candice-Nicole Laird, 27, of Detroit, police said. Officials said they made the arrest in the 8000 block of Stoepel Street.
Laird's body was found around 9 a.m. Wednesday in the 1600 block of Robert Bradby Drive, according to authorities. She had been reported missing around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, police said.
Investigators said the woman was seen with Cockerham inside the elevator of a nearby building .
Cockerham has been charged with first-degree murder, torture and unlawful imprisonment. He is expected to be arraigned Monday in 36th District Court.
Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
About the Author Derick Hutchinson headshot
Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.
Man jumps into action to save girlfriend in crash involving teen driver fleeing MSP ▶ 0:22
Man jumps into action to save girlfriend in crash involving teen driver fleeing MSP
5 Things Insurance Says that IS NOT TRUE ▶ 0:26
5 Things Insurance Says that IS NOT TRUE
Parents of college students hit with unexpected car insurance rules ▶ 2:21
Parents of college students hit with unexpected car insurance rules
Community rallies after deadly double shooting involving teens ▶ 0:37
Community rallies after deadly double shooting involving teens
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is still standing after 150 years ▶ 0:16
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is still standing after 150 years
How going back to work could hurt your case ▶ 0:29
How going back to work could hurt your case
$300 brick job turns into $1,129 demand ▶ 0:25
$300 brick job turns into $1,129 demand
Tariffs struck down as unconstitutional, businesses can seek refunds ▶ 1:50
Tariffs struck down as unconstitutional, businesses can seek refunds
Pistons on Game 1 loss to the Magic ▶ 1:04
Pistons on Game 1 loss to the Magic
Savion Hiter, Tommy Carr talk learned experiences with Michigan football ▶ 1:03
Savion Hiter, Tommy Carr talk learned experiences with Michigan football
Michigan Wolverines' Nico Andrighetto want's to return to CFP ▶ 1:01
Michigan Wolverines' Nico Andrighetto want's to return to CFP
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer ▶ 1:05
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer
Paradise anyone? Join Live in the D all week as April Morton takes you to beautiful Martin Co., Fl. ▶ 0:12
Paradise anyone? Join Live in the D all week as April Morton takes you to beautiful Martin Co., Fl.
Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham talks recovery and nearing 100% ▶ 0:42
Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham talks recovery and nearing 100%
Cade Cunningham talks turn around for Detroit Pistons ▶ 0:43
Cade Cunningham talks turn around for Detroit Pistons
Police chase ends in fatal crash, suspect shot by MSP ▶ 1:52
Police chase ends in fatal crash, suspect shot by MSP
Ever thought about being a welder? Learn more Monday morning on Local 4 News ▶ 0:06
Ever thought about being a welder? Learn more Monday morning on Local 4 News
Things you should NEVER do after an accident ▶ 1:04
Things you should NEVER do after an accident
Southfield police chief talks barricaded situation ▶ 3:48
Southfield police chief talks barricaded situation
What should the Tigers' ballpark be named? ▶ 2:24
What should the Tigers' ballpark be named?
Lawmakers, advocates demanding justice for Krystal Clark ▶ 0:37
Lawmakers, advocates demanding justice for Krystal Clark
Pothole issue in Lincoln Park neighborhood ▶ 0:28
Pothole issue in Lincoln Park neighborhood
Dangerous conditions at Clinton River ▶ 1:21
Dangerous conditions at Clinton River
How the Zipper Merge Helps Reduce Traffic ▶ 1:01
How the Zipper Merge Helps Reduce Traffic
parents want permanent fix after bus crashes into ditch ▶ 2:18
parents want permanent fix after bus crashes into ditch
Previous photo Next photo