A man who committed heinous acts against a young girl has avoided the death penalty by accepting plea agreements in a shocking case. On the evening of June 11, 2024, Daniel Callihan, 37, brutally attacked his former partner, Callie Brunett, 35, stabbing her over 50 times. He then abducted her two daughters, aged six and four, taking them more than 130 miles away. The situation escalated further as Callihan tragically suffocated the four-year-old after sexually assaulting her, reportedly with the help of Victoria Cox, 34. The six-year-old was then kept captive under appalling conditions, alongside her deceased sister, in a filthy pit. Callie’s body was discovered by a family member on June 13, prompting an investigation.
Authorities located Callie’s stolen vehicle at Callihan’s residence in Mississippi, thanks to a coordinated effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement using license plate recognition technology. The surviving child was found at the property, near her sister’s remains. Callihan led officers to the wooded area behind the house, where he had confined the six-year-old. He has since pleaded guilty to federal and state charges, securing a lifelong prison sentence. Cox, implicated as an accessory, is facing state charges and is scheduled for trial in December.
In a disturbing twist, Callihan attempted to shift blame to the side effects of his medication during his arrest, claiming the antidepressant Lexapro influenced his actions. Despite his remorseless attitude, he expressed a desire for the death penalty as punishment for his crimes. At Callihan’s sentencing, Callie’s sister emotionally labeled him a “demon,” condemning his unforgivable actions. Following the court proceedings, FBI Special Agent Jonathan Tapp emphasized the commitment of law enforcement partners to deliver justice and prevent such atrocities from recurring.
For support related to this distressing incident, individuals can access assistance and information from www.rapecrisis.org.uk, or call the national helpline at 0808 802 9999. If you have a story to share, contact julia.banim@reachplc.com. Stay informed by selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.