OMFG I Was Almost Kidnapped!

April Millsap’s Tragic Death

On a warm July evening in 2014, 14-year-old April Millsap decided to take her collie, Penny, for a walk on the Macomb-Orchard Trail, She did this almost daily. She left her house at approximately 5:30 and walked about a block to the trail entrance.  The Macomb/Orchard Trail is a biking and walking trail, which extends 23 miles into the center of April’s hometown, Armada, Michigan.  Armada is located about 50 miles north of Detroit Michigan. Armada is so small, it doesn’t even have a stoplight or a fast-food restaurant.

April set off for the trail with Penny at 5:34 pm. She brought with her a small black backpack and her cellphone.  April’s mother, Jennifer, became concerned when April didn’t return home by 8:00 pm. Usually, her walks on the trail lasted only an hour.  Jennifer called April’s phone and texted April, but got no answer.  She then contacted April’s boyfriend, Austin, who was 16 years old at the time. She asked Austin if he was with April. Immediately, Austin became concerned because early, at 6:28 pm, he received a text message from April which stated “I almost got kidnapped, OMFG”.

Finding April

At approximately 8:00 pm, a couple,  jogging the trail, heard the barking and whimpering of a dog.  The sound was coming from a ditch a few yards off the trail, in the wooded area.  When they followed the dogs whimpering, they spotted the badly beaten body of a young girl.

Her shirt and bra had been pulled down to her waist. Her underwear and shorts were pulled down to her ankles.  In addition, her hands were clutching leaves. 

April Millsap’s Murder

April’s murder shocked the small town of Armada, Michigan.  Listen to this episode of Crimes and Consequences, Hardcore True Crime Podcast.