by A Louisiana man has admitted to a series of horrific crimes involving the murder of a mother, the kidnapping of her two young daughters, and the death of one of them.
The Discovery of a Gruesome Crime Scene
In June 2024, 35-year-old Callie Brunett was found dead in her home in Loranger, Louisiana. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, she had been stabbed more than 50 times. Her two daughters — 4-year-old Erin Brunett and her 6-year-old sister — were missing from the residence.
Investigators quickly identified Daniel Wayne Callihan, a man who had dated Callie “off and on,” as a suspect. The case sparked an intense manhunt across state lines as authorities feared for the safety of the two missing girls.
Search Ends in Tragedy and Rescue
Authorities eventually located the girls in Mississippi. Tragically, Erin was found dead, while her 6-year-old sister was rescued alive but injured. The Jackson Police Department confirmed that the surviving child received immediate medical attention and has since been placed in safe care.
Following his arrest, Callihan admitted on camera to a WDSU reporter that he had “unfortunately” killed Erin. Law enforcement described his actions as “brutal and heinous acts of violence.”
Charges and Plea Deal
Callihan has now pleaded guilty to kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Under the terms of his plea deal, Callihan will avoid the death penalty. Instead, he faces life in prison for the kidnapping resulting in death charge and a minimum of 10 years for the transportation charge. His sentencing is scheduled for November.
At the state level, Callihan had also been charged with three counts of murder, as well as kidnapping, burglary, and robbery. It is unclear at this time whether he will enter pleas for those additional charges or if they will proceed separately.
A Family and Community in Mourning
The violent loss of Callie and Erin has deeply affected the Loranger community. Family and friends remember Callie as a devoted mother and Erin as a bright, energetic child.
In a GoFundMe set up shortly after the killings, relatives described Erin as a “little fireball” full of life, noting that Callie and her daughters were inseparable — “a couple of peas in a pod.” The fundraiser aimed to help with funeral costs and provide support for the surviving child.
A Stark Reminder of Domestic Violence Dangers
Law enforcement officials have highlighted the case as a chilling reminder of the dangers victims can face in abusive or unstable relationships. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reiterated the importance of early intervention and the availability of domestic violence resources for those in need.
Domestic violence advocates stress that people in unsafe relationships should reach out to hotlines, shelters, or local authorities before tensions escalate into deadly violence.
Read Also: Pennsylvania Foster Father Accused of Killing 13-Year-Old Boy by Forcing Back Scratcher Down Throat
Looking Ahead
While Callihan’s guilty plea spares the family the ordeal of a lengthy trial, it does little to ease the grief felt by those who loved Callie and Erin. As the community awaits sentencing in November, many are calling for stronger measures to protect vulnerable families and children from similar tragedies.
What’s your take on this devastating case? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com and join the discussion on how communities can better protect victims of violence.
