Man Kidnapped 2 Young Girls, Then Smothered 1 to Death — All After Mother’s Killing

A Louisiana man recently admitted to kidnapping two young girls, resulting in the tragic death of one of them, following the killing of their mother last year. The heartbreaking incident took place in June 2024, when 35-year-old Callie Brunett was found stabbed to death in her home in Loranger, La. Her two daughters, 4-year-old Erin Brunett and her 6-year-old sister, were missing from the scene.

Daniel Wayne Callihan, the perpetrator, has pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Callihan reportedly confessed to stabbing Callie more than 50 times, leading to her tragic demise, before abducting her daughters. In addition to the mentioned charges, he has also been accused of three counts of murder along with several other charges such as kidnapping, burglary, and robbery by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

In the aftermath of the brutal crime, the authorities initiated a search for the two missing girls, which eventually led to the discovery of Erin’s remains in Mississippi. Fortunately, her 6-year-old sister was found alive though injured at the same location, as reported by Jackson Police. The arrest of Callihan was made on grounds of committing severe acts of violence, as stated by the Tangipahoa Parish authorities.

Following his apprehension, Callihan was captured on video admitting to a WDSU reporter that he “unfortunately” killed 4-year-old Erin. Under the terms of the plea deal he reached, he has managed to evade the death penalty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Come November, he is expected to receive a life sentence for the kidnapping resulting in death charge, along with a minimum of 10 years for the transportation of a minor across state lines for criminal activities.

The community, deeply affected by the tragedy, set up a GoFundMe page to commemorate Erin’s vibrant personality as a “little fireball” full of life, alongside her loving mother Callie Brunett. The fundraiser described the bond between Callie and her daughters as inseparable, portraying them as “a couple of peas in a pod.” Messages offering support and condolences poured in from well-wishers and sympathizers in the wake of the devastating event.

The case sheds light on the gravity of such heinous crimes and the irrevocable impact they have on families and communities. The need for vigilance, prompt action, and support mechanisms for victims of abuse and violence becomes ever more apparent in the face of such tragedies. The legal proceedings and sentencing of the perpetrator bring a sense of closure to a dark chapter in the lives of the victims’ loved ones, albeit the scars left behind by the ordeal continue to resonate within the hearts of many.

In times of adversity, it is essential to stand together as a community, fostering a culture of support, empathy, and resilience to combat such senseless acts of violence. The memory of Callie Brunett and her daughters serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of upholding justice in the face of unspeakable loss. As the legal process unfolds, efforts to heal and rebuild in the aftermath of this tragedy remain paramount for all those affected by the profound impact of this unfortunate event.