Suspect in 14-year-old's slaying gets new lawyer

ROMEO (AP) - A man charged with killing a 14-year-old girl as she walked her dog in southeastern Michigan has gotten new lawyer. The lawyer representing 32-year-old James VanCallis asked to be replaced at a hearing earlier this month in Romeo District Court. The Times Herald of Port Huron reports that Azhar Sheikh has been selected by the court to represent VanCallis. Authorities say VanCallis hit April Millsap with a motorcycle helmet and stomped on her in Armada near a popular Macomb County trail on July 24. They say the man from St. Clair County's Wales Township was planning to rape her but a witness interrupted him. VanCallis is charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to rape. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Dec. 15 and 16. Published: Wed, Nov 19, 2014