Key hearing starts for man charged in Armada teen's death

VILLAGE OF ARMADA, Mich. – A hearing began Monday morning determine whether a man charged with killing a 14-year-old girl as she walked her dog in southeastern Michigan should stand trial.

The preliminary examination for 32-year-old James VanCallis in Romeo District Court is expected to continue into Tuesday.

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 when investigators released a sketch of a man who was seen in the area where Millsap was found.

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.

Web extra: Murder charges announced in Armada teen's slaying

Separately, he has pleaded guilty to marijuana charges and has been sentenced to a year in jail.

--April Millsap's mother, Jennifer.