Man Kidnapped 2 Young Girls, Then Smothered 1 to Death — All After Mother’s Killing

A man from Louisiana has admitted to kidnapping two young girls — and killing one of them — after their mother was found dead in her home last year.

In June 2024, 35-year-old Callie Brunett was found dead in her home in Loranger, Louisiana. Her daughters, 4-year-old Erin and her 6-year-old sister, were missing.

Authorities say Daniel Wayne Callihan stabbed Callie more than 50 times, killing her, before taking her two daughters. Callihan has now pleaded guilty to kidnapping that resulted in death, as well as transporting a minor across state lines for sexual abuse.

Police say Callie and Callihan had been in an on-and-off relationship. After a large search, police found Erin’s body in Mississippi. Her 6-year-old sister was also found there, badly hurt but alive.

Callihan was arrested and accused of “brutal and violent acts.” He later admitted on camera that he had killed Erin.

As part of a plea deal, Callihan will avoid the death penalty. He is expected to be sentenced in November to life in prison for the kidnapping charge, plus at least 10 more years for the transportation charge.

Family members described Erin as a “little fireball” who was full of life. They said Callie and her daughters were inseparable.