A Tangipahoa Parish grand jury has charged Danel Callihan with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Callie Brunett and her three-year-old daughter Erin. The other suspect, Victoria Cox, faces one count of first-degree murder. With federal charges also anticipated, Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux wants the pair to be tried in Louisiana first.
“First of all, it originated here, it involves local people here, and I feel strongly that this community deserves the right to have it ultimately resolved and decided here,” said Perrilloux.
Both suspects also face one count of aggravated kidnapping of a child and one count of second-degree kidnapping. Cox also faces accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Perrilloux wouldn’t comment on the details of the crime when asked if Erin was killed in Louisiana or Mississippi.
Both suspects could face the death penalty, but Perrilloux said a decision has not been made on whether to pursue capital punishment.
“I want to talk to the family, and I think in fairness we should wait for the entire investigative file to come from law enforcement and the different agencies involved to review that before we make a decision,” said Perrilloux.
Perrilloux said the case has left the small Tangipahoa Parish community in shock.
“And I think the community, particularly in the Loranger area, which is a small community where everyone is aware of everyone around them, this is difficult to comprehend and accept,” said Perrilloux.
Callihan and Cox also face murder and sexual battery charges in Mississippi, where they are currently being held. Funeral services for Callie and Erin were held yesterday in Hammond.
