Daniel Callihan facing federal charges in Brunett murder, abduction case

Daniel Callihan, the man accused in the Brunett murder and abduction case, was federally charged in court in New Orleans on Friday, June 28.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Daniel Callihan, the man accused in the Brunett murder and abduction case, was federally charged in court in New Orleans on Friday, June 28.

Background

On Thursday, June 13, Callie Brunett, 35, was found dead by her father on the floor of her bedroom in Loranger. She was reported missing by her parents 24 hours earlier. They had last spoken to her the previous Tuesday morning.

Tangipahoa Parish Coroner Rick Foster said she died of “multiple sharp force injuries.” He said there were stab wounds to her head, neck, chest, abdomen and back.

Her two daughters, 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin, were also missing from the home. The Louisiana State Police issued an Amber Alert for the sisters.

Later the same day, officers in Jackson, Mississippi, announced that they had arrested 36-year-old Daniel Callihan in connection with the crime. Police found Jalie alive, but Erin was found dead in a wooded area. Jalie was taken to a Jackson hospital.

The Hinds County coroner said Erin died from asphyxiation due to suffocation.

Nexstar Media’s WJTV News reported that Jackson Police Department Chief Joseph Wade said possible evidence of human trafficking, “including small animal cages,” was discovered at the scene.

In a video from Jackson police, Callihan can be heard admitting to the crime, saying he deserves the death penalty.

Victoria Cox, 32, an acquaintance of Callihan, was also arrested that day in Jackson as an alleged accomplice.

Charges

In Mississippi, Callihan and Cox were charged with capital murder and sexual battery.

They were both also indicted by a Tangipahoa Parish Grand Jury. Callihan has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child and second-degree kidnapping.

Cox has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child, second-degree kidnapping and accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.

On Wednesday, June 26, Callihan was extradited to a detention center in Plaquemines Parish.

In Friday's federal court hearing, he was charged with kidnapping and transporting of minors for the purpose of criminal sexual activity.

A preliminary hearing date was set for Friday, July 12.

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