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Man found guilty in murder of April Millsap

Posted at 1:51 PM, Feb 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-08 18:16:58-05

A jury has found James VanCallis guilty in the murder of Armada teen April Millsap.

The verdict was read after the jury deliberated for two days. Sentencing will be on March 30 at 8 a.m.

VanCallis was facing four charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, kidnapping and sexual assault.

The jury heard closing arguments on Friday as the week's long trial wrapped up in dramatic fashion.

Prosecutors call this a strong circumstantial case, they say all evidence points to one man: James VanCallis. 

On the day of closing arguments, Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Bill Cataldo told jurors why he believes they should find VanCallis guilty.

It was back on July 24, 2014 when prosecutors say VanCallis came across 14-year-old Millsap along the Macomb Orchard Trail. Prosecutors say he made advances, but she refused. Her body was later found beaten near the trail.

Prosecutors also pointed to phone data from VanCallis, which showed he was in the area at the time of the murder.

But there is no DNA link directly connecting him to the crime.