LORANGER, La. — Saturday night, loved ones and members of the Loranger community gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember 35-year-old Callie and 4-year-old Erin Brunett. They were found dead two weeks prior, in what is being investigated as a double murder.
The tragedy hit the roughly 7,000-person town of Loranger hard. “This is a small knit community,” Tangipahoa Parish School Board member Robin Abrams said before the vigil began, “we all know each other here.”
Saturday’s vigil was held at Loranger High School, which was Callie Brunett’s alma mater. “Our main focus tonight is just praying,” said organizer Sandra Wyatt. She described Callie as “the sweetest little teenager” growing up, who later became “a wonderful mom whose children just loved and adored her.”
On June 13, Callie’s father found her dead in her Loranger home. An AMBER alert was issued for her two young daughters. 4-year-old Erin was found dead hours later. Her 6-year-old sister was found alive nearby.
“This should never happen to anybody’s family, this is just pure evil,” said Abrams.
Organizers put the focus of Saturday’s vigil on the victims, rather than the crime. Family friend Jenafer Sheridan remembered Callie Brunett as “outgoing,” “bubbly,” and a person who “lit up the room when she walked in.”
She also said the Brunetts are a well-known family in Loranger, something echoed by many people at the vigil. They have lived in the community for generations and are behind the popular annual event Old Farmer’s Day.
“As soon as I read it,” said Sheridan, “I called some friends and I wanted to immediately check on Tommy and Debby,” Callie’s parents. “I know that they’re processing a lot right now and they just need to know that we’re all here for them.”
Organizers said some of the Brunett’s family members showed up Saturday but none wished to speak with reporters. News cameras were not allowed inside the gym where the beginning of the vigil was held.
Many people who spoke with WWL Louisiana outside of the gym said they did not know Callie personally and that they were there to support the family. “This has touched this community,” said Wyatt, “and we just want the Brunetts all to know that we are praying for them, we love them, and we’re here to stand behind them.”
A GoFundMe for Callie Brunett’s parents and surviving daughter has raised over $60,000.
According to the Old Farmer’s Day Facebook page, donations can also be dropped off in-person at Small Town Fitness in Loranger during business hours and at any First Guaranty Bank.
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