James Donald VanCallis
Armada Police Chief Howard Smith says that suspect James Donald VanCallis, 32, beat 14-year-old April Millsap to death, the Detroit News reports.
On Wednesday, Smith appeared before a judge seeking an arrest warrant for VanCallis and gave testimony, which was recorded, Ursula Watson of the News reported. VanCallis was arraigned Thursday on murder charges. His attorney said prosecutors charged the wrong person.
In the video, Smith said April was walking her dog on the trail 5:30 p.m. July 24, the news reported.
The News wrote:
A witness, April's classmate, said she saw April talking to a man on a blue and white motorcycle. The man was identified by another witness as VanCallis, Smith said in the video.
April was in fear of her life and sent a text message at 6:28 p.m. "I almost got kidnapped, OMFG," Smith said.
She rebuffed VanCallis and walked away. He got off his motorcycle, followed her and ambushed her from behind using his helmet as a weapon. He moved her into a wooded area where he beat and stomped her. The athletic shoes VanCallis was wearing had a distinctive tread pattern.
Smith alleged that VanCallis then continued beating her.
