01-21-2016, 11:28 PM
Murder Trial Underway
![[Image: 306EBD7D00000578-0-image-a-24_1453394107726.jpg]](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/01/21/16/306EBD7D00000578-0-image-a-24_1453394107726.jpg)
I wish that LE had been able to find fingerprints, DNA, hair, semen or some physical evidence to present to the jury connecting James VanCallis Jr. to April's slaying. But, many times, nothing of the sort is found at the crime scene.
Fortunately, there are witnesses who saw April talking to VanCallis briefly during her walk with her dog and described his distinctive blue and white dirt bike. Police can also put VanCallis in the area at the time. The case is mostly one of circumstantial evidence.
Today in court, police said James VanCallis Jr. attacked 14-year-old April Millsap with his motorcycle helmet, then dragged the teen into the woods where he stomped and beat her to death. They said he then fled on his motorcycle, leaving the dead teen's body in the woods.
VanCallis is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration in April's death. He has pleaded not guilty.
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/mi.../79133012/
I wish that LE had been able to find fingerprints, DNA, hair, semen or some physical evidence to present to the jury connecting James VanCallis Jr. to April's slaying. But, many times, nothing of the sort is found at the crime scene.
Fortunately, there are witnesses who saw April talking to VanCallis briefly during her walk with her dog and described his distinctive blue and white dirt bike. Police can also put VanCallis in the area at the time. The case is mostly one of circumstantial evidence.
Today in court, police said James VanCallis Jr. attacked 14-year-old April Millsap with his motorcycle helmet, then dragged the teen into the woods where he stomped and beat her to death. They said he then fled on his motorcycle, leaving the dead teen's body in the woods.
VanCallis is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration in April's death. He has pleaded not guilty.
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/mi.../79133012/