In a shocking turn of events, Louisiana man Daniel Callihan, 36, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for allegedly murdering Callie Burnett, 35, and her 4-year-old daughter Erin, as well as abducting Burnett’s two young daughters. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office referred to Callihan’s alleged actions as “brutal and heinous acts of violence” in a press release.
Sheriff Daniel Edwards expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with all those affected by this tragic event. These are unspeakable crimes. We ask everyone to keep Callie’s family in your prayers.”
According to investigators, Callihan and Burnett had an “off and on” relationship. The search for Burnett’s daughters, aged 4 and 6, began when an Amber Alert was issued after their mother was found dead inside her home. Burnett’s father had last seen her on Tuesday evening but was unable to contact her the following day and noticed her car was missing. He reported her missing on Wednesday evening and discovered her blood-covered body in her trailer on Thursday morning.
The Amber Alert stated that Callihan was wanted for questioning regarding a domestic violence incident that occurred at the time of the abduction and resulted in a homicide. After the alert was issued, Burnett’s stolen car was spotted in Mississippi, leading to a brief chase and Callihan’s arrest in Jackson.
Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis reported that Callihan had the victim’s car and her 6-year-old child, who was found alive and well. Tragically, the body of 4-year-old Erin was discovered unburied in the nearby woods.
Jackson police Chief Joseph Wade noted that items found at the crime scene, including small animal cages, suggested the possibility of human trafficking. He described the situation as “very, very disturbing” and contacted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation’s human trafficking division and the FBI for assistance.
As of Thursday evening, Callihan had not been questioned, and the 6-year-old was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the local community are grappling with the shock and grief caused by this heinous crime. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
