NEW ORLEANS — Local and federal law enforcement officials have arrested Daniel Callihan after his sometimes girlfriend was found dead in her home, her car was stolen and her children abducted. One of those children was found dead in a wooded area in Jackson, Mississippi on Thursday afternoon.
Here is what we know about the case at this time.
The suspect
Daniel Callihan has been arrested and is in custody in Mississippi. He is described as an "on-again-off-again" boyfriend of 35-year-old Callie Brunett, who was found dead in her Loranger home Thursday morning. Callihan was captured in Jackson, Mississippi when he was discovered apparently pulling on home door handles. When he was encountered by U.S. Marshals he fled on foot but was captured quickly.
While be transported back to Rankin County Jail, he told media he was only on depression medication and admitted to the crime.
"Sober, no drugs in my system, I did it," he said. "I have no reason for what I did. All I want to say is that I was sober and only on LexaPro – and off LexaPro – and I'm also diagnosed with borderline multiple personality disorder."
Callihan said he was on suicide watch, but that he was not suicidal.
He told reporters "I would kill me" and that we would not fight the charges. He said he welcomed the death penalty. "For what I did, lethal injection is the easiest thing for me."
Callihan claimed he was only out of a mental institution for two weeks.
A second suspect, a woman, identified as 32-year-old Victoria Cox, was arrested with Callihan on Thursday. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said Cox is from the parish area and both she and Callihan had been intimately involved recently.
Sheriff Edwards told media on Friday afternoon that there are no further suspects being considered at this time.
The victims
Callie Brunett was found dead in her home. Law enforcement classified her death as a homicide, but her manner of death was not immediately made public. In addition, the time of her death was not known. It is only known that her family had last texted her on Tuesday night and that her father discovered her body Thursday morning at the home.
Erin Brunett, who is either 3 or 4 years of age, unfortunately was found dead in a wooded area of Jackson, Mississippi.
Jalie Brunett, 6, was found alive and taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons. She was said not to have been physically harmed.
Sheriff Edwards said on Friday that he has not been made aware of any significant injuries of Jalie. He also said that he would wait to disclose details on how Erin was killed, but described her death as "brutal."
Edwards also stated that he knew what weapon was used in the death of the mother, but TPSO would wait until the autopsy to release the information. He did say it was a dangerous weapon, but did not clarify if it was a gun or knife.
The counts
On Friday, Rankin County released the charges Callihan is facing, including capital murder and sexual battery. No number of counts of each charge were revealed. TPSO said he is facing at least one count of first-degree murder and armed robbery locally.
As for Cox, she is facing capital murder and sexual battery charges.
Amber Alert
An Amber Alert was issued midday Thursday. An Amber Alert is issued when a child is abducted and believed to be in imminent danger and if enough information is available about the alleged abductor to assist in the child’s recovery. It triggers warnings to be sent to mobile phones and on television and radio broadcasts.
Who is handling the case?
The FBI is now in charge of the case. They have opened a full investigation. The FBI and U.S. Marshals joined with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office shortly after it became clear that the children were missing and likely in danger.
The FBI is asking anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
What they're saying
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry:
"Sharon and I have been following the news and praying for the family of these victims. We are heartbroken. The evil person responsible for this crime will be held accountable. Justice will be served."
Incoming Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker:
“I am equally horrified, saddened, and angered by the magnitude of this crime. My thoughts and prayers are with the Brunett family during this tragic time. I appreciate the hard work of the multiple law enforcement agencies that continue work together for the victims.”
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade:
“This was a horrible, horribly tragic situation that was committed by the actions of a coward.”
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards:
“If you believe in the death penalty, and you support the death penalty, I don't know how you can believe this is not an appropriate case to charge someone and try to get the death penalty."
