Officials arrested a 36-year-old man and his alleged accomplice in Mississippi after reportedly finding a 35-year-old mother from Louisiana and one of her young daughters dead.
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade announced Thursday, June 13, that officers and U.S. Marshals arrested Daniel Callihan after Louisiana State Police issued an Amber Alert regarding the suspected kidnapping of the two young girls, 3-year-old Erin Brunett and 6-year-old Jalie Brunett. Louisiana State Police listed Erin Brunett’s age as 3 years old, but Wade identified her as 4 years old.
The girls were last seen Thursday, June 13, at a home in Loranger. State Police said they were taken before 8 a.m.
According to the alert, a suspect, Callihan, was wanted for questioning regarding a domestic violence incident that turned into a homicide. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office alleges Callihan committed “brutal and heinous acts of violence,” including killing 35-year-old Callie Brunett.
U.S. Marshals spotted Callihan’s vehicle Thursday afternoon and contacted the Jackson Police Department. Following a brief pursuit, authorities took Callihan into custody.
According to Wade, officers found Erin Brunett deceased in the woods, and investigators are working to determine her manner of death. Authorities also located her sister, who was alive, and transported her to a hospital for treatment.
According to WDSU-TV, Wade also announced the arrest of Callihan’s possible accomplice and girlfriend, 32-year-old Victoria Cox. Investigators are still looking into her role in the case.
In a video posted by WDSU, Wade said the pair may be charged with capital murder. Callihan faces possible federal charges for allegedly transporting the children across state lines.
Investigators also reportedly found small animal-like cages at the scene and believe human trafficking may have been done at the location. In a statement obtained by WLBT, Wade said it’s “very disturbing to me as a police chief and as a father to witness and see what I just saw.”
