Daniel Callihan facing federal charges in Brunett murder, abduction case

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Daniel Callihan, the man accused in the Brunett murder and abduction case, was federally charged in court in New Orleans on Friday, June 28.

“The penalties there are more severe than the penalties associated with the federal charges. The federal prosecutors and the state prosecutors are going to sit down and determine which case has the most likelihood of success and that’s the one they will probably prosecute,” said WGNO Analyst Cliff Cardone.

Background

On Thursday, June 13, Callie Brunett, 35, was found dead by her father on the floor of her bedroom in Loranger. She was reported missing by her parents 24 hours earlier. They had last spoken to her the previous Tuesday morning.

Tangipahoa Parish Coroner Rick Foster said she died of “multiple sharp force injuries.” He said there were stab wounds to her head, neck, chest, abdomen and back.

Her two daughters, 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin, were also missing from the home. The Louisiana State Police issued an Amber Alert for the sisters.

Later the same day, officers in Jackson, Mississippi, announced that they had arrested 36-year-old Daniel Callihan in connection with the crime. Police found Jalie alive, but Erin was found dead in a wooded area. Jalie was taken to a Jackson hospital.

The Hinds County coroner said Erin died from asphyxiation due to suffocation.

Nexstar Media’s WJTV News reported that Jackson Police Department Chief Joseph Wade said possible evidence of human trafficking, “including small animal cages,” was discovered at the scene.

In a video from Jackson police, Callihan can be heard admitting to the crime, saying he deserves the death penalty.

Victoria Cox, 32, an acquaintance of Callihan, was also arrested that day in Jackson as an alleged accomplice.

Charges

In Mississippi, Callihan and Cox were charged with capital murder and sexual battery.

A capital murder conviction could mean the death penalty, something the Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office is also considering.

They were both also indicted by a Tangipahoa Parish Grand Jury. Callihan has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child and second-degree kidnapping.

Cox has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child, second-degree kidnapping and accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.

“Prosecutors despise child killers. So, I would be surprised if the prosecutor in Tangipahoa will give up his opportunity to try this individual in state court,” said Cardone.

Cardone says the seriousness of those charges means the district attorney there may wind up getting the first crack at convicting Callihan.

On Wednesday, June 26, Callihan was extradited to a detention center in Plaquemines Parish.

In Friday’s hearing, he was charged with the federal crimes of kidnapping and transporting of a minor for the purpose of criminal sexual activity.

Kerry Cuccia, who is representing Callihan on the federal and state charges, tells WGNO it’s still too early to comment on the case.

“It doesn’t surprise me that it is the same attorney. Many attorneys have experience both in civil cases, as well as criminal cases. State criminal as well as federal criminal prosecutions,” said Cardone.

A preliminary hearing date was set for Friday, July 12.