Authorities have arrested Daniel Callihan, 36, in connection with the alleged murders of Callie Brunett, 35, and her four-year-old daughter, Erin.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Callihan’s arrest on Thursday, June 15, 2024, following the discovery of Brunett’s body in her home in Loranger, Louisiana. An Amber Alert had been issued for her two missing daughters, Erin and six-year-old Jalie, after their mother was found dead. The alert led authorities to Jackson, Mississippi, where Erin’s body was discovered in a wooded area, and Jalie was found injured but alive.
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade described the scene as “very traumatic” and noted possible signs of human trafficking at the location. “You don’t want to see that. As a father, to see this baby on the ground that has lost her life,” Wade said in a press conference, according to a local Fox affiliate. “This is an innocent four-year-old child that’s no longer with us because of the actions of a coward.”
The investigation revealed that Callihan and Brunett had dated intermittently. Before his arrest, Callihan was wanted for questioning in a domestic violence incident connected to Brunett’s death. Victoria Cox, 32, an alleged accomplice, was also arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the alleged abduction and killings.
Chief Wade noted that there had been signs of “some human trafficking done”, such as small cages, in the wooded area where the girls were found. “We’re going to work this crime scene with a scalpel. It will take a long time to process it,” he shared with CNN.
Callie Brunett’s body was discovered by her father in her home on North Cooper Road. She had been missing for over a day, and her absence was reported after her car was not seen at her house. “There was blood everywhere,” Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said, describing the scene.
The discovery of Erin’s body in Jackson, Mississippi, brought further sorrow to the already distressing case.
The FBI is leading the investigation and dedicating all available resources to the case. They are working closely with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department. The FBI has asked anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Jalie, the surviving child, was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Her grandparents are now with her, providing support during this difficult time.