James VanCallis found guilty in April Millsap murder

Jury finds VanCallis guilty on all counts in Armada teen's murder

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A jury on Monday found a man guilty on all counts of killing Armada teen April Millsap.

The jury convicted James VanCallis of first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping and attempted criminal sexual assault. Millsap was walking her dog on the Macomb Orchard Trail in July 2014 when she was killed. Her body was found a few feet off the trail by a passerby.

The jury began deliberating on Friday. They announced their verdict Monday afternoon after reviewing exhibits. 

Special section: The April Millsap murder case

"Count 1, first degree premeditated murder, we find the defendant guilty. Count 2, first degree felony murder, we find the defendant guilty. Count 3, kidnapping, we find the defendant guilty. Count 4, assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, we find the defendant guilty," the jury foreman read.

First there were tears before applause erupted in the courtroom. VanCallis stood quietly without emotion.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2016.

April Millsap's immediate family members declined comment after the verdict. Close friends spoke on their behalf. 

"There is relief," said Karyn Risch, a family friend. "But there is no closure to the wounds this murder has opened."

Watch the verdict: James VanCallis guilty verdict