ARMADA, Mich. – New details have emerged about April Millsap's death, when Armada Police Chief Howard Smith went before a judge Wednesday to get murder charges approved for James Vancallis Jr.
Smith said witnesses saw the 14-year-old walking her dog the evening of July 24 along the Macomb Orchard trail. Witnesses also saw her talking to a man on a motorcycle.
The witnesses were able to describe the man they saw in the woods in detail.
"I almost got kidnapped OMFG," reads a text message sent from Millsap's phone.
Smith said Vancallis then allegedly stalked Millsap, ambushed her from behind and used his motorcycle helmet to smash her head. He took her into the woods and continued to beat and stomp on her, Smith said.
An imprint on Millsap's body matches shoes Vancallis was wearing, Smith said.
Vancallis allegedly tried to sexually assault Millsap but was interrupted by a witness on the trail, Smith said.
"But for that, he would have raped her," Smith said.
Vancallis allegedly stole the teen's cellphone and backpack. Smith said video from a nearby camera shows Vancallis with the cellphone in his hand.
Web extra: Murder charges announced in Armada teen's slaying
"As the investigation progressed and intensified, the evidence led in only one direction...James Vancallis," said Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said. "My office intends to present physical, electronic and eyewitness testimony and evidence placing Vancallis at the scene of the murder with the victim at the time of the murder."