The 14-year-old took her dog for a walk on a popular hiking trail.
The other end was one mile from Aprils family home.
Some time after she left home, April texted her boyfriend OMG…I think Im being kidnapped.
April Millsap Family
When April didnt return from walking the dog, her mother reported her missing.
Her body was found by two joggers soon after.
They believe April was attacked with a motorcycle helmet.
After murdering April, he removed her clothing and planned to rape her body.
However, because the trail was busy, he instead got on his motorcycle and simply drove away.
Aprils border collie, Penny, tried protect her.
After April died, Penny sat with her body until it was discovered.
Penny continues to live with Aprils family and participates in memorials for April like theApril Millsap Memorial Garden.
The pathologist who performed Aprils autopsy counted 48 injuries.
She also had blunt force trauma from being hit with a motorcycle helmet.
James VanCallis, 34, was arrested and eventually convicted of first-degree murder for the death of April Millsap.
VanCallis had gone to the Macomb Orchard Trail that day with the intention of murdering a woman or child.
In addition to first-degree murder, VanCallis was also convicted of kidnapping and attempted sexual penetration.
He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
His appeal was denied.
She found bloody grass and hair in his sweatshirt pocket.
Later, the clothing and shoes disappeared.
Aprils mother told VanCallis after his conviction:I hope those steel bars are your only friends.
