Two individuals, Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox, were arrested in Mississippi last week in connection with a tragic case involving the abduction of two young girls, resulting in the death of one child and injuries to the other. The incident began with the killing of the girls' mother, Callie Brunett, in Loranger, Louisiana, and the subsequent abduction of her daughters, aged 4 and 6.
Authorities in Mississippi discovered the 4-year-old girl deceased and the 6-year-old injured at a Jackson location suspected to be linked to human trafficking. Both Callihan and Cox have been charged with capital murder and sexual battery in relation to the children's cases.
While Cox is believed to be Callihan's accomplice, specific details have not been disclosed by officials. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade stated that the cause of death for the 4-year-old is pending confirmation by a medical examiner, with indications pointing towards suffocation or asphyxiation.
Wade expressed the possibility of seeking the death penalty in this case, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He also mentioned that additional charges in Louisiana and at the federal level are still pending.
During a court appearance, Cox denied involvement in the crimes attributed to Callihan and claimed that both girls were alive when she last saw them. The judge ruled that Cox would be held without bond for the capital murder charge and set a bond of $500,000 for the sexual battery charge.
The investigation unfolded rapidly after an Amber Alert was issued following the discovery of Brunett's body in Louisiana. Law enforcement located Callihan in Jackson, leading to the arrest of both suspects and the tragic discovery of the deceased child and the injured 6-year-old.
Authorities suspect potential human trafficking activities at the Jackson site based on the presence of small cages and enclosures. The surviving child is currently recovering in Jackson.
Callihan, when questioned by reporters, expressed remorse for his actions and mentioned a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. He reportedly did not deny his involvement in the crimes and implicated Cox during interactions with investigators.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Brunett family during this difficult time, aiming to raise funds for funeral expenses and to assist the surviving child and her family.
