Authorities have reported that a 6-year-old girl who went missing was discovered near her 4-year-old sister’s body in Mississippi on Thursday. The tragic discovery comes after the girls’ mother was found dead in their Louisiana home.
During a news conference on Friday evening, Edwards stated that investigators suspect Callihan of killing Brunett and taking the girls on Wednesday. Brunett’s parents reported her missing late Wednesday night, according to Edwards.
After their mother was discovered deceased in Louisiana, the body of 4-year-old Erin Brunett was found beside her older sister, who was reportedly unharmed.
According to WDSU, local NBC affiliate, Callihan was apprehended on Thursday following a short pursuit by law enforcement.
According to WDSU, Brunett had an on-again, off-again relationship with Callihan, who had been residing in Tangipahoa Parish. Edwards had previously disclosed this information.
On Friday evening, Edwards stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Callihan is the father of the two girls.
Authorities reported that Brunett’s car, which was absent from her residence, was detected by a license plate reader in Jackson. According to WDSU, investigators located Callihan after receiving a report of a man attempting to gain entry into multiple residences.
According to Edwards, Callihan is anticipated to face charges of first-degree murder in the killing of Callie Brunett, as well as two counts of aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery. The authorities in Mississippi have indicated their intention to charge Callihan with the murder of Erin Brunett as well.
According to Edwards, authorities apprehended a woman they suspect of being an accomplice of Callihan’s on Friday at a motel in south Jackson.
According to Edwards, Victoria Cox, aged 32, is anticipated to face charges in Mississippi and Louisiana. He did not provide any specific details regarding the charges but did mention that Cox and Callihan had a recent romantic involvement.
According toWPAT, there is uncertainty surrounding the injuries sustained by the older girl. She was taken to the hospital and later released to her grandparents, who brought her back home with them in Louisiana, as reported by U.S. Marshals.
According to Joseph Wade, the Chief of Police in Jackson, it remains unclear as to why Callihan was present in south Jackson. The investigation is still ongoing and authorities are looking into whether the house in Jackson, where the girls were discovered, was used by human traffickers.
On Friday, Edwards stated that he hasn’t come across any evidence to support Wade’s theory that human trafficking was involved in this case.
In a statement released on Friday, the FBI announced its participation in the investigation, working together with local law enforcement to uncover the details surrounding the heartbreaking murders, which they have described as an “unspeakable tragedy.”
At present, Callihan is detained in the Rankin County Jail situated in Mississippi.