LORANGER, LA – A Louisiana man will spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting to a series of shocking crimes that included murdering a mother and her young daughter, as well as kidnapping and sexually abusing another child.
Daniel Callihan, 37, pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of kidnapping that resulted in death and transporting a minor across state lines with intent to commit sexual exploitation. The plea agreement means Callihan, who faced a possible death sentence, will receive a mandatory life term in federal custody. He could also be fined up to $500,000.
The investigation began in June after 35-year-old Callie Brunett was found dead in her locked mobile home in Loranger, a rural town roughly an hour north of New Orleans. According to court records, authorities discovered Brunett’s body a day after she was reported missing, having sustained more than 50 stab wounds. Her two daughters, aged 4 and 6, were missing from the residence.
Federal prosecutors outlined that on the night of June 12, Callihan killed Brunett and abducted both children. He then drove them in the mother’s vehicle to find his girlfriend, Victoria Cox. The group traveled across state lines, eventually arriving at a home on Boozier Drive in Jackson, Mississippi.
Authorities say Callihan and Cox assaulted Brunett’s 6-year-old daughter at the residence. Prosecutors allege Callihan then killed 4-year-old Erin Brunett by suffocating her. The elder sister was assaulted but survived.
After his arrest in Mississippi, Callihan confessed to the murders and the abuse during interviews with law enforcement. Investigators later located Erin’s body, discarded in a wooded area near the Jackson home in July. The surviving child was found alive nearby, receiving medical care after her recovery.
Court documents noted the presence of cages at the Mississippi property, raising concerns that the location may have ties to human trafficking. Both Louisiana and Mississippi authorities are continuing to examine possible connections to broader criminal activity.
Victoria Cox, identified as Callihan’s co-conspirator, faces a capital murder charge in Mississippi, which could result in the death penalty if she is convicted. Her case is expected to proceed separately.
During his transport by authorities in Mississippi, Callihan acknowledged responsibility for the crimes in remarks made to bystanders and members of the media. He offered no clear motive for his actions and referenced his struggles with mental health at the time of the killings.
Sentencing for Callihan is set for Nov. 19. He remains in federal custody awaiting the court’s final decision, which is expected to ensure he will never be released.