NEWS

Garden dedicated for slain teen April Millsap

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel hugs Jennifer Millsap, mother of April Millsap, 14, who was murdered last year, during a dedication for a garden in April's memory in Armada, Michigan, on Monday, July 13, 2015.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel hugs Jennifer Millsap, mother of April Millsap, 14, who was murdered last year, during a dedication for a garden in April's memory in Armada, Michigan, on Monday, July 13, 2015.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Attendees walk thru the April Millsap Memorial Garden in Armada.
Attendees walk thru the April Millsap Memorial Garden in Armada.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
John Paul Rea, assistant county executive, talks about the April Millsap Memorial Garden project during the dedication ceremony. Jennifer Millsap, April's mother, is at right.
John Paul Rea, assistant county executive, talks about the April Millsap Memorial Garden project during the dedication ceremony. Jennifer Millsap, April's mother, is at right.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Austin Albertson cuts the ribbon for the April Millsap Memorial Garden.
Austin Albertson cuts the ribbon for the April Millsap Memorial Garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Julie Risch puts her arm around Jennifer Millsap, mother of slain teen April Millsap.
Julie Risch puts her arm around Jennifer Millsap, mother of slain teen April Millsap.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Serena Smolarek, left, and Madison Adams, friends of April Millsap, talk about their friend during the dedication
Serena Smolarek, left, and Madison Adams, friends of April Millsap, talk about their friend during the dedication
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Members of the Macomb County Sherriff's department attended the dedication ceremony.
Members of the Macomb County Sherriff's department attended the dedication ceremony.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
A bench with April's name engraved in it in the garden.
A bench with April's name engraved in it in the garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
A small tile hangs above an arbor at the garden.
A small tile hangs above an arbor at the garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Attendees listen to remarks during the ceremony.
Attendees listen to remarks during the ceremony.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
The Rev. George Patauave blesses the April Millsap Memorial Garden in Armada.
The Rev. George Patauave blesses the April Millsap Memorial Garden in Armada.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Jennifer Millsap, mother of April, wipes a tear away after receiving an angel statue from the Rev. George Patauave during the dedication.
Jennifer Millsap, mother of April, wipes a tear away after receiving an angel statue from the Rev. George Patauave during the dedication.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
A butterfly, released during the ceremony, lands on the hand of Marina Domschroder, 7, as she sits on her uncle Mark Hackel's lap.
A butterfly, released during the ceremony, lands on the hand of Marina Domschroder, 7, as she sits on her uncle Mark Hackel's lap.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Austin Albertson, 16, rings a bell at the April Millsap Memorial Garden.
Austin Albertson, 16, rings a bell at the April Millsap Memorial Garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
A statue similar to April Millsap's dog is next to a bench in the garden.
A statue similar to April Millsap's dog is next to a bench in the garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
According to her friend, April Millsap loved to read, so a little library was placed beside the garden.
According to her friend, April Millsap loved to read, so a little library was placed beside the garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
A plaque in place for April Millsap in the garden.
A plaque in place for April Millsap in the garden.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News