Daniel Callihan : Accomplice Charged in Kidnapping and Death of 4-Year-Old Girl

L-R: Daniel Callihan is arrested in Mississippi on June 13, 2024 (Tangipahoa Parish (La.) Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana); 4-year-old Erin Brunett (Amber Alert photo); Victoria Cox (Hinds County Jail mug shot)

The Indictment of Victoria Cox in the Kidnapping and Murder of Erin Brunett

The accused accomplice in the tragic kidnapping and death of Louisiana 4-year-old Erin Brunett has been formally indicted in Mississippi on charges of capital murder. Victoria Cox, aged 32, also faces additional charges for allegedly conspiring to kidnap and sexually abuse Erin’s 6-year-old sister, who was ultimately rescued from a pit behind a dilapidated home in mid-June.

If convicted, Cox could potentially receive the death penalty for her role in Erin’s death and the subsequent abduction and assault of her sister, referred to as “J.B.” in official legal documents. Prosecutors claim that Cox, alongside her alleged partner Daniel Callihan, 36, committed the heinous acts during the course of the kidnapping.

The Gruesome Discovery and Allegations

Law enforcement authorities made a harrowing discovery on June 13 when they found Erin’s lifeless body in a wooded area in Jackson, Mississippi. This crime scene was reportedly linked to suspicions of human trafficking. Earlier on the same day, the girls’ mother, 35-year-old Callie Brunett, was tragically found murdered at her residence in Loranger, Louisiana.

The Mississippi property where Erin Brunett was found dead and her sister was rescued (federal complaint); Daniel Callihan (right inset) mug shot (Rankin County Sheriff’s Office)

According to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, the investigation revealed not only Erin’s tragic fate but also uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting a potential connection to human trafficking activities at the crime scene. Wade expressed deep concern over the presence of small animal cages, indicating a troubling environment.

The Relationship Between the Suspects and the Victims

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards disclosed that Callihan had a previous connection to the Brunett family, as he had reportedly dated Callie Brunett in the past. The sheriff expressed bewilderment over the motive behind Callihan’s actions, questioning what led him to commit such heinous crimes against Callie and abduct her children.

Further investigations led authorities to suspect that Cox, purportedly Callihan’s girlfriend, was also complicit in the murders. A federal complaint lodged against Callihan provided chilling details of the events leading up to the tragic outcome.

The Shocking Revelations and Arrest

After allegedly killing Callie Brunett and abducting her children in Loranger, Louisiana, Callihan was captured on surveillance footage with the girls at a McDonald’s before arriving at a property on Boozier Drive in Jackson, Mississippi. Following his arrest on June 13, Callihan reportedly confessed to numerous crimes during detailed police interviews.

The probable cause affidavit outlined Callihan’s admissions, including the murders of Callie Brunett and Erin, the theft of Brunett’s vehicle, and his disturbing intentions regarding the surviving minor child. Callihan’s chilling confession indicated a plan to keep the living child as a “sex slave,” highlighting the horrifying nature of the crimes.

The Rescue and Investigation

The investigation uncovered shocking details about the living conditions at the Boozier Drive residence, where the two girls were found. The property appeared to be partially unfinished and transiently occupied by various individuals. Erin’s lifeless body was discovered in a pit on the premises, while her sister was rescued alive, albeit traumatized.

U.S. Marshals preparing to search the property were alerted to the girls’ presence by concerned civilians who heard their cries for help. The surviving sister was promptly taken to a hospital for evaluation, while authorities continued to unravel the disturbing events leading up to the tragic outcome.

Conclusion

The indictment and ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Erin Brunett shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking and heinous crimes committed against innocent victims. As the legal proceedings unfold, justice must be served for Erin, her sister, and their grieving family.

Matt Naham contributed to this report.

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