Police release sketch of person of interest in Armada teen's murder case

14-year-old April Millsap found murdered in wooded area Thursday

VILLAGE OF ARMADA, Mich. – Police have released a sketch of a person they are interested in talking to regarding the case of April Millsap's murder in Armada, Michigan. Authorities continue to investigate after a 14-year-old girl was found dead in a wooded area of the village. A digital version of the sketch is below.

Police say the person of interest is a white man who is taller in stature.

The 14-year-old's body was found Thursday in a drainage ditch in the area of Fulton and Depot roads.

Armada Police Chief Howard Smith said Millsap had left her house to walk her border collie, but when she didn't return about an hour later, her parents called police.

Click here to donate to April's family

Smith said Millsap's dog stayed with her body until two people who were walking the trail noticed it. The dog, named Penny, is pictured below.

An autopsy conducted at the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office revealed the cause of Millsap's death as homicide. Smith said there were also no outward signs of trauma and no signs of sexual assault.

Millsap was an eight-grader at Armada Middle School. Grief counselors will be available to meet with students.

Police looking for gray van, 2 men, motorcyclist

Michigan State police have released the picture of a gray painters-like van with dents on it that was seen in the area of the crime scene.

It was occupied by two white men.

Police said detectives are also seeking information after receiving tips about a small blue and white motorcycle with a young male rider wearing a black helmet seen riding on the trail around the time Millsap was killed.

FBI agents went door-to-door Friday night for a canvas.

Anyone who was in the area in a similar type van, or know someone who has that type of van, or has information about the motorcycle is being asked to leave a tip at 877-616-4677 or Michigan.gov/michtip. 

You can also donate to the April Millsap fund at CSB or Fifth Third banks in Armada.