Daniel Callihan, a 36-year-old man from Jackson, Mississippi, has made a chilling confession, admitting to the murder of three-year-old Erin Brunett.
The shocking revelation came as he was being escorted to jail, where he bluntly acknowledged his crime and attributed his actions to the side effects of his depression medication, Lexapro.
“I did it. I’m on Lexapro. Sober. No drugs in my system. I think it was the side effects of the Lexapro,” Callihan stated. His admission was made on camera as he was being taken to jail, further stating that he had no reason for his actions and was not going to contest the charges against him.
Discovery of Bodies and Timeline of Events
The body of Erin Brunett was discovered in a wooded area behind a house, ending a desperate two-day search. Her older sister, Jalie, aged six, was found in a car nearby.
The children’s mother, Callie Brunett, who was Callihan’s ex-girlfriend, was found brutally murdered and sexually assaulted in her home in Loranger, Louisiana, approximately 130 miles away from where the children were found.
Callihan led the police to the grim discovery after being apprehended. The investigation revealed a horrifying sequence of events that began with the murder of Callie Brunett.
Erin and Jalie were reported missing by their father, sparking a search that ultimately led to the tragic findings.
Callihan’s Troubled Past
Neighbors of Callihan described him as a menace who had a history of terrifying behavior.
Darci Heck, a neighbor, recounted how Callihan was involved in setting fire to a shed and frequently caused disturbances in the community.
Surveillance footage captured Callihan breaking into a neighbor’s property naked and wielding a stolen crossbow.
Heck’s daughter, Laci Beetz, expressed relief that Callihan was now in custody, as his presence in the neighborhood had been a source of fear for many.
The community had long been on edge due to his unpredictable and dangerous behavior.
Arrest and Investigation
Callihan was arrested by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in Jackson. Alongside him, his girlfriend Victoria Cox was also detained at a motel in South Jackson.
Cox is suspected of being an accomplice in the gruesome crimes. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade indicated that investigators received a tip suggesting Callihan did not act alone.
Cox’s exact role in the events is still under investigation, but she faces potential charges of capital murder or being an accessory.
The Crime Scenes
The scenes of the crimes were described as horrific. Jackson Police Chief Wade recounted the disturbing discovery in the woods, which included small animal cages and indications of possible human trafficking activities.
The meticulous investigation of the crime scene is expected to take a considerable amount of time.
Meanwhile, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Jimmy Travis described the scene at Callie Brunett’s mobile home as an “obvious homicide” with “blood everywhere.”
The home had been the site of a brutal assault and murder, with Callie Brunett missing for over 24 hours before being found.
The Aftermath and Community Response
The community is grappling with the aftermath of these heinous acts. Sheriff Daniel Edwards emphasized that Callihan was not a complete stranger to the family, having dated Callie Brunett.
Edwards described the crimes as “brutal and heinous,” expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families.
Jalie, the surviving daughter, will be a crucial witness in the ongoing investigation. Authorities plan to interview her as soon as possible to gain further insights into the horrific events.
Specialists in human trafficking have also been brought in to assist with the investigation, given the disturbing findings at the crime scene in the woods.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice
As the investigation continues, both Callihan and Cox remain in custody, facing severe charges for their roles in these tragic events.
The law enforcement agencies involved are determined to bring justice to the victims and their families.
The community has been urged to keep the Brunett family in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
The disturbing nature of these crimes has left a lasting impact on both the local communities in Mississippi and Louisiana.
The law enforcement officials involved are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and that justice is served for Erin, Callie, and the surviving family members.
People