Jury Selection Begins In 2014 Murder Of Macomb County Teen

MACOMB (WWJ) - Jury selection is expected to start today for a St. Clair County man accused of killing Macomb county teen April Millsap.

James VanCallis is charged with murder, kidnapping and attempted criminal sexual conduct in Millsap's July 2014 death.

Authorities say VanCallis grabbed Millsap as the 14-year-old was walking her dog along the Macomb County Orchard Trail in Armada. According to investigators, VanCallis tried to rape the teen before beating her to death with a motorcycle helmet.

Several witnesses testified they saw VanCallis talking with Millsap shortly before her body was discovered by a passerby.

Millsap died of blunt head trauma and asphyxia due to neck compression, according to a medical examiner's report.

VanCalis maintains his innocence. If convicted as charged, he faces up to life in prison.