Kalamazoo
Suspect held after woman found dead following fire
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) - Authorities say a suspect has been arrested after a 47-year-old Kalamazoo woman was found dead in a bedroom following a fire.
The Kalamazoo Public Safety Department says Marie Elizabeth McMillan was found stabbed multiple times on Saturday night at her apartment. The fire was ruled a homicide.
The department says Tuesday they've arrested a 35-year-old Battle Creek resident who is expected to face murder and arson charges.
The fire was quickly extinguished Saturday night. No other apartments at the Clayborne Court complex were affected.
In a statement, McMillan's family members say they were "devastated and heartbroken" and asked for privacy. They described her as a "loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother."
Bay City
Ex-teacher gets no jail time in sex with students case
BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) - A former Bay City high school substitute teacher who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sex crimes has been sentenced to pay $50 in restitution without jail time or probation.
The Bay City Times reports 45-year-old Heidi Eastman was sentenced Monday for three counts for attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. She must register as a sex offender.
The Midland woman's surname was Lewis when she was accused of having sex with three 17-year-old students over summer break in 2010.
Prosecutors dropped six felony charges in a plea deal reached in October.
Michigan's Appeals Court ordered a retrial for Lewis in 2013 after a judge dismissed the felony counts. The appeals court ruled state law protects "individuals in a certain age group" from encounters with someone in a position of authority.
Port Huron
Man charged in killing sentenced in drug case
PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) - A man charged with killing a 14-year-old girl in July as she walked her dog in southeastern Michigan has been sentenced in a separate drug case.
James VanCallis of Wales Township told the court in St. Clair County on Monday "marijuana has been a problem that's been ongoing as far as it's hindered me more than helped me." The Times Herald of Port Huron reports he was sentenced to a year in jail.
The 32-year-old earlier pleaded guilty to manufacturing marijuana. His father also pleaded guilty to manufacturing marijuana.
Authorities say James VanCallis hit April Millsap with a motorcycle helmet and stomped on her in Armada near a popular Macomb County trail. He's charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to rape. He's due in court next month.
Published: Wed, Nov 26, 2014
