Authorities reported on Thursday that a 6-year-old girl who was missing was discovered near her 4-year-old sister’s body in Mississippi. This incident occurred after their mother was found dead in their home in Louisiana.
During a news conference on Friday evening, Edwards revealed that investigators suspect Callihan of killing Brunett and abducting the girls on Wednesday. According to him, Brunett’s parents reported her disappearance late on Wednesday night.
According to the local NBC affiliate WDSU, authorities reported that Callihan was apprehended on Thursday after a short pursuit.
According to Edwards, Callihan guided the investigators to a forested region where they discovered the lifeless body of Erin and miraculously found 6-year-old Jalie alive.
WDSU reported that Brunett had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Callihan, who had lived in Tangipahoa Parish, according to Edwards’ previous statements.
According to Edwards, it is not believed that Callihan is the father of the two girls, as of Friday evening.
Authorities have reported that Brunett’s car, which was absent from her home, was detected by a license plate reader in Jackson. According to WDSU, investigators were able to locate Callihan when they received a report of a man attempting to gain entry into multiple residences.
According to Edwards, Callihan is anticipated to face first-degree murder charges in connection with the passing of Callie Brunett, as well as charges of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Additionally, Mississippi authorities have indicated their intention to charge him with the murder of Erin Brunett.
According to Edwards, authorities have apprehended a woman who they suspect was working together with Callihan. She was taken into custody 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 refrained from providing further details regarding the exact nature of the charges, but he did mention that Cox and Callihan had a recent intimate relationship.
According to WPAT, it remains uncertain whether the elder girl sustained any injuries. The authorities reported that she was hospitalized and later picked up by her grandparents, who brought her back to Louisiana with them.
According to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, the purpose behind Callihan’s presence in south Jackson remains unclear. The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities are looking into the possibility of the nearby house being used by human traffickers.
According to Edwards, there is no evidence to support Wade’s theory that human trafficking was involved in this case. This statement was made on Friday and as of now, Edwards has not received any information that would back up Wade’s speculation.
On Friday, the FBI issued a statement declaring their involvement in the multi-state investigation, alongside local law enforcement, regarding the horrific killings. The agency referred to the tragedy as an “unspeakable tragedy.”
At present, Callihan is under custody at the Rankin County Jail located in Mississippi.
