Tangipahoa Parish Grand Jury indicts two in Brunett abduction, murder case
LORANGER, La. (WGNO) — A Tangipahoa Parish Grand Jury convened on Thursday, June 20 to consider charges in the Brunett abduction and murder case. The community will also be mourning Callie Brunett and her 3-year-old daughter, Erin, as their funerals are held.
The case began last week when Callie was found dead inside her mobile home on Thursday, June 13. Her father found her after she had been reported missing for 24 hours. She was last heard from the previous Tuesday.
An Amber Alert was issued for her two daughters, 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin.
Later that Thursday, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that 36-year-old Daniel Callihan was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi in connection to the case.
Additionally, it was announced that Erin had been found dead in a wooded area. Jalie was found alive and taken to a Jackson hospital.
Nexstar Media’s WJTV News reported that Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said possible evidence of human trafficking, “including small animal cages,” was discovered at the scene.
Wade also told WJTV News that Victoria Cox, 32, is an acquaintance of Callihan, who was also arrested Thursday in Jackson as an accomplice in the case.
In Mississippi, Callihan and Cox are facing charges of capital murder and sexual battery. Additionally, a federal court hearing has been set for Callihan.
Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said the grand jury convened at 9 a.m. He addressed the media after, announcing Callihan and Cox's indictments.
In Louisiana, Callihan has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child and second-degree kidnapping.
Cox was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child, second-degree kidnapping and accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.
When asked about the death penalty, Perrilloux said, "I would just like the opportunity to have more of a discussion with the family about this. That particular issue, the death penalty. Again, it's not all about me. I want to talk to the family."
District Attorney Scott Perrilloux announces indictments:
Services for Callie and Erin will be held Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. Their funerals will be held at 1:30 p.m.
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