Man Accused Of Killing Armada Teen To Undergo Mental Evaluation
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - A judge has ordered a mental evaluation for a 32-year-old man accused of murdering a 14-year-old girl whose body was found several months ago on a popular Macomb County nature trail.
James VanCallis of Goodells is charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to rape in the death of April Millsap. A Macomb County judge on Monday granted the defense attorney's request that VanCallis undergo a mental and culpability evaluation.
Authorities say VanCallis hit the teen with a motorcycle helmet and stomped on her neck on July 24 while she was walking her dog along the Macomb Orchard Trail in Armada. Investigators believe VanCallis planned to rape Millsap but was interrupted by a witness.
Millsap died of blunt head trauma and asphyxia due to neck compression, according to a medical examiner's report.
VanCallis's attorney maintains there is no DNA evidence linking his client to the crime.
A shoe print on Millsap's body matched the "unique" print of "athletic shoes" worn by the defendant, Prosecutor Eric Smith said during court proceedings last month.
Findings of the exam are expected to be presented in court Feb. 19.
[Continuing Coverage: April Millsap Murder]
TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.