How police pieced together evidence that led to charges in murder of Armada teen April Millsap
(Oct. 8, 2014) (WXYZ) - Disturbing new information has surfaced surrounding the evidence gathered in the death of 14-year-old April Millsap.
7 Action News has uncovered how authorities from multiple agencies helped tie the evidence together, which resulted in charges against James VanCallis Jr.
VanCallis was charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder, Felony Murder and Assault With Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration. He will be arraigned Thursday morning. According to the Armada Police Chief, they have physical evidence from the crime scene and in town.
7 Action News has learned that April Millsap was stomped on and authorities say surveillance video shows VanCallis wearing athletic shoes with a specific tread.
He was reportedly carrying her cell phone - taken during her attack. Millsap's backpack was also taken from the scene.
Police have three witnesses. One, a classmate to April, saw her talking to a man on a motorcycle. April tried to get away from him.
That man allegedly ambushed her from behind, using his helmet as a weapon, dragged her into the woods and attempted to sexually assault her.
A third witness later helped authorities develop a composite sketch that matched VanCallis.
According to authorities, April was stalked, robbed, murdered and her nearly naked body was found in a wooded area. Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith announced charges against VanCallis on Wednesday.