The man who killed a Tangipahoa Parish woman and her daughter will avoid the death penalty after pleading guilty to a federal charges.
Daniel Callihan entered his plea on Wednesday, accepting conviction on kidnapping resulting in a death and transporting a minor across state lines for criminal sexual activity.
In June 2024, Callihan stabbed Callie Brunett to death in her Tangipahoa Parish home before kidnapping her two daughters and driving them to Mississippi. One of Brunett's daughters, four-year-old Erin Brunett, was later found dead in Mississippi. Her older sister was found injured but alive. Callihan admitted to news crews who covered his arrest that he committed the crimes, adding that he has "borderline multiple personality disorder."
Callihan repeated his confession to authorities, who included it in Callihan's arrest affidavit. The affidavit also stated that authorities found Brunett's daughters inside a pit behind a house in Jackson, Mississippi. In the affidavit, Callihan admitted to murdering Erin Brunett. He also admitted that he intended to keep Erin's older sister as a "sex slave."
According to WWL-TV, state prosecutors agree not to seek the death penalty under the federal plea deal. By pleading guilty, Callihan agreed to waive his right to appeal or contest his conviction. Callihan will also serve his state sentences before beginning his federal prison term.
For now, Callihan remains incarcerated in a federal prison.
Callihan's federal sentencing is set for November 19.
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