Police Serve Search Warrants In Case Of Murdered 14-Year-Old April Millsap
ARMADA (WWJ) - One man was taken into custody, Wednesday, as Michigan State Police served search warrants in connection with last week's murder of a 14-year-old Armada girl.
At a home near Wales Center and Marquette roads in Wales Township, officers took a man away in handcuffs — but police aren't saying why.
The home — around 15 miles west of Port Huron in St. Clair County and 15 miles northeast of Armada— is listed as the residence of a registered sex offender in his 60s, convicted in two cases involving underage girls.
Lt. Mike Shaw said MSP and an FBI task force were serving search warrants to collect evidence in the case of April Millsap, who was found dead in a drainage ditch along a popular trail in Armada last week.
Shaw confirmed that a home outside of Armada was being searched, but he wouldn't release any details about specific locations or people involved. He said two individuals were arrested in Wales Township on Wednesday for marijuana-related crimes, but said he couldn't confirm whether those two arrests were connected to the Millsap case.
Millsap was reported missing by her mother last Thursday after she failed to return home from walking her dog, which she did nearly every night. Her body was found hours later by a couple walking Macomb Orchard Trail near Fulton and Depot roads.
Police said the girl's Border Collie, Penny, stayed with Millsap's body until she caught the couple's attention.
The teen's death has been ruled a homicide, although authorities have released few details about the cause — except to say that she was not shot or stabbed.
According to reports, a text message was sent from Millsap's phone to her boyfriend, indicating she thought she was about to be abducted. The message stated "Omg. Wtf. I think I'm being kidnapped," the Macomb Daily reported.
Police confirmed a message was sent, but would not comment on its contents.
Police this week released a sketch of a person of interest who was seen on the trail where Millsap had been walking. He is described as a white male, average height, with sandy brown or reddish hair.
Police are also looking to talk to two men seen in a gray box van spotted in the area, as well as a young man who was seen riding a small blue and white motorcycle. [Get more details HERE].
As the investigation continues, visitation for Millsap is planned for Thursday at the Tiffany-Young and Hauss Funeral Home in Armada. A service is scheduled for Friday at St. Mary Mystical Rose Church, also in Armada.
