Woman found dead in Loranger, Amber Alert issued for her two abducted children

Rachel Hernandez, Raeven Poole and Jordan Lippincott

12 mins ago

LORANGER, La. (WGNO) — A woman was found dead in Loranger on Thursday and an Amber Alert was issued for her two young children. Hours later, one of her children was found dead and the other alive in Mississippi.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said 35-year-old Callie Brunett was found dead on the floor of her bedroom in her locked mobile home on North Cooper Road by her father after her parents reported her missing 24 hours earlier. They had last spoken to her Tuesday morning.

According to Louisiana State Police, her two children, 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin, were kidnapped before 8 a.m.

Police initially said an unidentified white male was wanted for questioning in connection with a domestic violence incident that ultimately led to Callie’s death. He was believed to have been driving her car, a black 2012 Chrysler 200 with Louisiana license plate 859GML.

Around 4 p.m. Thursday, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that a suspect, 36-year-old Daniel Callihan, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi.

It was also announced that Erin was found dead in a wooded area. Jalie was found alive and taken to a hospital in Jackson.

According to Nexstar Media’s WJTV News, Police Chief Joseph Wade said possible evidence of human trafficking was discovered at the scene, “including small animal cages,” and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and Hinds County human trafficking units have been contacted.

Wade said he does not believe Callihan is the father of the two children. He is currently being held in the Rankin County Jail.

In a video released by Jackson Police, Callihan can be heard admitting to the crime and saying he deserves the death penalty.

Wade also told WJTV News that a suspected accomplice has been arrested. Victoria Cox, 32, is an acquaintance of Callihan, who was also arrested in Jackson on Thursday and faces possible murder charges.

The FBI has launched an investigation into the crime. The FBI office in New Orleans issued a statement on Friday morning.

The FBI became involved in this case when it first learned of it Thursday morning. The FBI has now launched a full investigation into the Brunett matter. We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department. The FBI is devoting all available resources and assets to this investigation, including Victim Assistance Services personnel who are working closely with survivors of this unspeakable tragedy. We appreciate the public’s interest and assistance in this case and ask that anyone who may have helpful information call 1-800-CALL-FBI. To protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation, we cannot release any further details.

FBI New Orleans

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