A man involved in a heinous crime where he held a six-year-old girl captive for sexual exploitation has avoided the death penalty by agreeing to plea bargains. The shocking incident occurred on June 11, 2024, when Daniel Callihan, 37, brutally attacked his former partner, Callie Brunett, 35, with over 50 stab wounds. He then abducted her two young daughters, aged six and four, and drove them over 130 miles away, leading to even more disturbing acts.
Tragically, the four-year-old girl was suffocated to death by Callihan after he sexually assaulted her, with alleged involvement from his partner, Victoria Cox, 34. The elder child was subsequently kept as a “sex slave” in a squalid pit alongside her deceased sister. Callie’s body was found on June 13, prompting a search for her missing daughters.
Law enforcement efforts, involving local, state, and federal authorities utilizing license plate readers, led to the discovery of Callie’s stolen vehicle at Callihan’s Mississippi residence. The surviving child was found in the same pit as her sister’s remains. The younger girl’s cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation due to suffocation.
During the sentencing process, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens expressed outrage at the horrific crimes, emphasizing that no child should endure such a fate. Callihan was apprehended after leading officers to where he had kept the six-year-old captive in a wooded area. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Cox, charged as an accessory, awaits trial in December after pleading not guilty.
In a disturbing attempt to deflect blame, Callihan cited the side effects of his antidepressants as a contributing factor to his actions, claiming he was sober at the time. Despite this, he expressed remorse and acknowledged the severity of his crimes, stating that he deserved the harshest punishment. At the sentencing, Callie’s sister emotionally labeled him a “demon,” condemning his actions and the profound impact on their family.
FBI Special Agent Jonathan Tapp commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in ensuring justice for the victims and their community, affirming that Callihan will be prevented from committing such atrocities again. If affected by similar issues, support and resources are available through designated helplines.