Additional Coverage:
Jackson, Miss. — Tragic events unfolded as a woman from Louisiana was found deceased in her residence last Thursday, and an alarming situation arose when her two daughters were kidnapped, leading to a heartbreaking outcome where one was later discovered dead and the other alive in Mississippi, according to police reports.
The ex-boyfriend of the deceased woman, apprehended in Jackson, Mississippi, has been linked to the grim incidents, as stated by law enforcement officials.
Daniel Callihan, 36, was named as the suspect by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana.
Following his arrest, Callihan was found in possession of the victim’s vehicle, where the 6-year-old daughter was found unharmed, revealed Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis of the sheriff’s office.
Near the vehicle, in a secluded wooded area in Jackson, the body of the 4-year-old girl, identified as Erin Brunett, was discovered.
Local CBS affiliate WJTV reported that the surviving sister, 6-year-old Jalie Brunett, was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. According to Jackson’s Police Chief Joseph Wade, Callihan’s arrest followed a vehicular pursuit.
The search for the sisters commenced after their mother, 35-year-old Callie Brunett, was found deceased in her Loranger home, roughly 60 miles east of Baton Rouge, with death details undisclosed. She was reported missing after losing contact since Tuesday, mentioned Travis.
WJTV further reported that Callie Brunett was found by her father, deceased on her bedroom floor within her locked mobile home.
“This is an absolutely heart-wrenching tragedy,” stated Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards. “Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family of the victims during this incredibly tough time.”
In connection to the investigation, Chief Wade informed that the Jackson Police made contact with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation’s human trafficking unit upon discovering small animal cages at the site of the grim find.
“The suspect sought to eliminate the children by taking them to this remote area,” Wade remarked, condemning the act as “horrifically tragic” and the result of a “coward’s actions.”