Police have person of interest in Armada teen's killing

Man's home searched as part of April Millsap investigation

PORT HURON, Mich. – Police say a 32-year-old Wales Township man is considered a person of interest in the death of a 14-year-old Armada girl.

James Donald Vancallis is in custody on drug charges, for which he appeared in court on Tuesday. Marijuana plants were found in his home during a search which was part of the investigation into April Millsap's death.

To date, no charges related to the teen's killing have been filed against Vancallis. His father, 66-year-old James Bernard Vancallis, also faces drug controlled substance and manufacturing marijuana charges.

No one has been charged in connection to the teen's death. Investigators were back at the Vancallis house in Goodells (an unincorporated community in Wales Township) on Monday. Local 4 has learned that police removed several items, including a dirt bike, clothing, cell phone, hunting gear, bank records, photos and notebooks.

"(James Vancallis) is a person of interest in our investigation in Armada. We are looking at him. Obviously because we've served two search warrants in that property," said Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw.

Attorney Dean Ankouny, who is representing the Vancallis family, said his clients feel harassed.

"They feel that (the police) have left their house ransacked twice now within a short period of time even though my clients have been cooperative from the beginnings," said Ankouny.

Previous story: Police search properties as part of April Millsap death investigation

Joggers found Millsap's body July 24 in a drainage ditch along the Macomb Orchard Trail in Armada, hours after she had disappeared while walking her dog. She had been beaten and strangled.

April Millsap

[Video] April Millsap's mother talks to Local 4

[Timeline] April Milsap homicide investigation

[Donate] Online fund for Millsap's family