April Millsap’s Last Text: ‘OMG … I Think I’m Being Kidnapped’

Authorities have revealed that April Millsap’s last text message was “OMG… I think I’m being kidnapped.” Hours later, the teen’s body was discovered in a drainage ditch near the Macomb Orchard Trail in Armada, Michigan. It was later determined that she was beaten to death.

On July 24, April left home at approximately 5:00 pm to walk her border collie, named Penny. At approximately 8:00 pm, Penny led two joggers to April’s body.

Armada Police Chief Howard Smith immediately organized a task force to investigate April’s death. Authorities with the Armada Police Department, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI, have worked together to investigate the scene and interview witnesses.

Smith said the support from other law enforcement agencies and the community “has been overwhelming.” Within days, authorities received more than 400 tips about April Millsap’s death.

Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw suggested the investigation is progressing in the right direction.

“We are pretty confident that we are zeroing in on the person who did this and the person knows that as well… We have compiled a lot of information. We are a heck of a lot closer (to making an arrest) than we were on Thursday.”

As reported by Macomb Daily, April’s boyfriend and family were questioned by police. However, they were ruled out as suspects.

Authorities have released a sketch of a man who is considered to be “a person of interest.” They are also seeking the identity of a young man, who was reportedly riding a “small cc motorcycle.” Witnesses said the man was wearing a black helmet. Although they previously identified a “large gray box van,” detectives said they are no longer looking for the vehicle.

April’s grandmother, Jackie Levans, said the entire family is devastated.

“She was such a beautiful child… She did not deserve to die like this. Please tell people don’t ever think it cannot happen to you. We would have never expected something like this to happen to us. They ruined somebody’s life.”

As reported by Freep, April Millsap was a member of a youth group, which served the St. Mary Mystical Rose and St. Francis-St. Maximilian parishes. She had just graduated from junior high and was looking forward to starting high school next month.

Although authorities said they have made progress, they have not named a specific suspect. They are relying on the community to provide further information about April’s brutal death.

Crime Stoppers has offered a $2,500 reward for any “information leading to an arrest and conviction.” Authorities would like to interview anyone who may have seen April Millsap or her dog Penny on Thursday evening.

[Image via Dreamin Demon]