JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — A 36-year-old man, Daniel Callihan, has been arrested in connection with the brutal murders of a woman and her young daughter, while another suspect, Victoria Cox, believed to be his accomplice, was also detained, the Jackson Police Department announced on Friday.
Callihan was apprehended on Thursday after the body of a 35-year-old mother, Callie Brunett, was found in her home in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Her two daughters, aged 4 and 6, had been abducted, and after an extensive search, were located in Mississippi. Tragically, the 4-year-old was found dead, while her 6-year-old sister was injured but alive.
Authorities suspect the case may involve human trafficking. “We are dealing with a serial killer, a psychopathic serial killer who has no respect for life,” said Mohamed Amin, Kenya’s director of criminal investigations.
Shocking Confession
As Callihan was escorted from the Jackson Police Department headquarters, he was asked by reporters about the reason for killing the child. He responded, “I have no reason for what I did,” and mentioned being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Accomplice Detained
Victoria Cox, 32, was arrested at a motel in south Jackson on Friday. Police Chief Joseph Wade described her as an acquaintance and possibly a girlfriend of Callihan. Cox is currently being questioned to determine her involvement in the crimes.
Crime Scene and Investigation
The initial discovery of the bodies was made by residents in Kware, Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga neighborhood. The bodies were found in an abandoned quarry used as a dumpsite. Police found signs indicating potential human trafficking activities at the site, including small animal cages.
Emotional Impact and Community Response
“Our hearts are with all those affected by this tragic event. These are unspeakable crimes,” said Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards in a social media post. He urged the community to keep Brunett’s family in their prayers.
Ongoing Investigation
An Amber Alert was issued for the Brunett daughters after the mother’s body was discovered. The suspect was located in Jackson, Mississippi, approximately a two-hour drive from Tangipahoa Parish. Following a short pursuit, Callihan was arrested near a house in a wooded area where the 4-year-old’s body was found.
Police Chief Wade expressed deep disturbance over the scene. “It’s very, very disturbing to me as a police chief and as a father to witness and see what I just saw,” he said.
Authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation of the crime scene, reaching out to human trafficking divisions for assistance. The autopsy of the deceased will help determine the exact cause of death.
Legal Proceedings and Community Support
Callihan and Cox face severe charges, including potential capital murder. The priority remains to interview Callihan and provide care for the surviving child, who faces lifelong trauma from this horrific event.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Brunett family, covering funeral costs and aiding the surviving child during this difficult time.