A man from Louisiana has been arrested for the murder of a woman and her young daughter, with authorities suspecting he had help, according to the Jackson Police Department on Friday.
The suspect, 36-year-old Daniel Callihan, was taken into custody after a 35-year-old mother was found dead and her two daughters were abducted. They were later found in Mississippi— one deceased and the other alive— in what investigators believe could be a case involving human trafficking.
Callihan is accused of committing violent acts, including the killings of Callie Brunett and her 4-year-old daughter, according to the sheriff’s office in Tangipahoa Parish, near New Orleans.
While being escorted by officers, Callihan was asked by a reporter about the motive for the killings. He responded, saying he had no reason for his actions and mentioned he has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Authorities also arrested Victoria Cox, 32, on Friday at a motel in south Jackson. Police are investigating her role in the incident, as she is believed to be associated with Callihan.
The neighborhood where the girls were found showed signs suggesting it may have been used for human trafficking, including small animal cages, according to Jackson investigators.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event. These are unimaginable crimes,” said Sheriff Daniel Edwards in a social media post. “Please keep Callie’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Earlier, an Amber Alert was issued for Brunett’s abducted daughters, ages 4 and 6, after their mother was found dead in her home.
Law enforcement in Jackson, Mississippi, located the suspect after a search and found a tragic scene. Callihan was arrested after a brief pursuit in a wooded area, where the 4-year-old’s body was discovered. Her sister was found injured and taken to a hospital.
An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death, while Jackson authorities are investigating signs of human trafficking at the scene.
Many questions remain unanswered, including why the suspect took the children to Jackson and why the child was killed. Investigators plan to interview Callihan to gather more information.
It was revealed that Callihan lived in Louisiana and had a sporadic relationship with Brunett, according to Chief Jimmy Travis of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“Our top priority is to interview Callihan and support the surviving 6-year-old victim,” Travis said. “She has been through an unimaginable experience that none of us should ever have to endure.”
Cox was cooperative during her arrest and could face serious charges related to the incident, according to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Brunett family in their time of need, covering funeral expenses for Brunett and her daughter, and assisting the family and surviving child through this devastating time.