Sheriff criticizes delay of AMBER warning after tragedy in Louisiana

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards has sharply criticized the delay in issuing an AMBER alert following a heinous crime that has rocked the state of Louisiana and parts of the Gulf Coast region. The incident involved the brutal murder of 35-year-old Callie Brunett and her four-year-old daughter Erin Brunett in Loranger, LA.

Authorities arrested the suspect, 36-year-old Daniel Callihan, on Thursday evening (June 13) in Jackson, Mississippi.

The tragic events began when Callie Brunett’s father discovered her body Thursday morning and realized her two daughters were missing. According to FOX 8, his discovery sparked a frantic search for the missing children, which led to the issuance of an AMBER alert. However, Sheriff Edwards expressed frustration at the more than three-hour delay in issuing the alert after his office requested it.

“I can tell you I was frustrated and I reached out to the executive director of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association. I called him and said this was unacceptable,” said Sheriff Edwards. “Within five minutes of my call, the AMBER alert was issued. What caused the delay, I can’t say. But it was very frustrating for us and certainly very frustrating for the family.”

The investigation quickly escalated when U.S. Marshals discovered Erin’s body in a wooded area in South Jackson, about 100 feet behind a home. Erin’s six-year-old sister was found injured but alive in a car nearby and immediately taken to a hospital in Jackson, where she was met by her grandparents.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade condemned Callihan, repeatedly calling him a “coward” for the murders. “This is an innocent four-year-old child who lost his life at the hands of a coward,” Police Chief Wade said. He described the crime scene as “horrific” and “tragic” and revealed that the area where the girls were found showed signs of being used for human trafficking, including the presence of cages for small animals.

Sheriff Edwards noted that Callihan had a previous relationship with Callie Brunett, stating, “The suspect, Daniel Callihan, knew this family. He was not a complete stranger. What motivated him to kill Callie and kidnap the children, I simply cannot say.”

Authorities are currently searching for a possible accomplice. Police Chief Wade called on the public to support the family and police as they continue to investigate the motives behind these heinous crimes.

Stacy Pearson, former AMBER Alert coordinator with the Louisiana State Police, explained that issuing an AMBER Alert typically takes about three hours after receiving information. She emphasized that the system is one of many tools law enforcement uses in child abduction cases.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department posted a heartfelt message on its Facebook page expressing condolences and thanks to all agencies and citizens who assisted in the investigation. “Our condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic event. These are unspeakable crimes,” said Sheriff Edwards.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Lt. Jacob Schwebel at 985-902-2037 or Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.