A Man's Deadly Crime: Kidnapping and Sexual Abuse Across States

Earlier this week, federal authorities charged Daniel Wayne Callihan, a 37-year-old man from Amite, with kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines for sexual purposes. This follows the tragic murder of Callie Brunett, a 35-year-old woman from Loranger, and the abduction of her two young daughters. The younger girl, Erin Brunett, who was just 4 years old, was sadly found dead near Jackson, Mississippi. Callihan has been behind bars since his arrest in June last year. He is facing serious charges not only from federal prosecutors but also from state authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi. The federal charges mainly focus on the kidnapping and the intended sexual abuse of the children. If convicted, Callihan could spend his entire life in prison for the kidnapping charge alone, and up to a decade for the sexual offense.Louisiana prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty for Callihan. The charges against him in Louisiana include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping of a child, and one count of unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling. The federal charges shed light on the disturbing motive behind the abduction; Callihan allegedly told investigators he wanted to keep the other kidnapped child as a "sex slave. " Victoria Cox, who is said to have been an accomplice in the crime, is also facing similar state charges. The case highlights the grim reality of violent crimes that cross state lines and the crucial role of federal authorities in such situations.