ARMADA, Mich. – The attorney for a man charged with killing a 14-year-old girl as she walked her dog in southeastern Michigan has withdrawn from the case.
James VanCallis is charged with first-degree murder, felony murder and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration in the July 24 death of April Millsap. He was named a person of interest in the Armada murder case on Aug. 19.
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During a hearing Thursday, a judge approved attorney Dean Ankouny's motion to withdraw from the case. Vancallis will now get a court-appointed attorney.
Armada Police Chief Howard Smith has said VanCallis hit Millsap with a motorcycle helmet and stomped on her near a popular Macomb County trail. Smith has also said VanCallis intended to sexually assault her until was interrupted by an eyewitness.
A preliminary examination related to the murder charges is scheduled for mid-December.
Web extra: Murder charges announced in Armada teen's slaying