JACKSON, Miss. – The man arrested in connection with the tragic death of a 3-year-old Louisiana girl has confessed to the crime. Daniel Callihan, the prime suspect in the case, was apprehended at the Jackson Police Department headquarters following intense questioning. Callihan, upon being asked about his involvement in the killing of Erin Brunett, admitted, “Unfortunately, on Lexapro, sober, no drugs in my system, I did it.”
Callihan was taken into custody in Jackson on Thursday and is currently being held in Rankin County. Authorities believe Callihan is also responsible for the murder of the girl’s mother, Callie Brunett, in Tangipahoa Parish, before abducting Erin and her sister. Additionally, a woman believed to be an accomplice in the crime, identified as Victoria Cox, 32, was arrested at the OYO Hotel on Interstate 55 South. Cox is facing a capital murder charge in connection with the tragic events that unfolded from Tangipahoa to South Jackson.
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade revealed that Erin’s surviving sister was rushed to a hospital for medical attention before being reunited with her grandparents, who then took her back to Louisiana. Wade mentioned the possibility that Cox may have been Callihan’s girlfriend, although authorities are still investigating her exact role in the tragic incident. The fate of Callihan’s extradition back to Louisiana remains uncertain due to the discovery of a potential human trafficking site in Jackson, as well as a separate homicide inquiry in Mississippi.
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, with agents revisiting the crime scene on Friday where Erin’s body was discovered. In a statement, FBI officials emphasized their commitment to collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to uncover the truth behind this tragedy. The FBI has urged anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation by contacting 1-800-CALL-FBI.