Man accused of killing, abducting young girls to be extradited to Louisiana
A Louisiana resident accused of killing a 4-year-old girl and abducting her 6-year-old sister is expected to be extradited to Louisiana.
Daniel Callihan, the accused, waived his Monday hearing in the Southern District of Mississippi at the Thad Cochran Federal Courthouse. Callihan, 36, of Tangipahoa Parish, waived his right to a preliminary hearing and waived his detention hearing.
A preliminary hearing provides a preview of the prosecution’s case which includes evidence and potentially witness testimony. A defendant might waive the right to a hearing to avoid publicity in the event that they plan to plead guilty, or they may waive the right to a hearing to prevent the sentencing judge from hearing more potentially damning evidence and facts about the case.
Magistrate Judge Andrew S. Harris said Callihan will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service until Callihan is transferred to Louisiana. It is unknown at this time when Callihan will be returned to Louisiana.
This news comes after Callihan allegedly killed Erin Brunett, 4, and abducted her sister. Callihan is also suspected of murdering the child's mother, 35-year-old Callie Brunett, who was found dead in her Loranger home.
Background on case: 4-year-old Louisiana girl found dead, 6-year-old sister alive after frantic Amber Alert
According to authorities, after Callihan abducted Erin and her sister from their Louisiana home, both girls were found in the woods near the 3900 block of Boozier Drive in South Jackson — more than 120 miles away from Loranger.
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade told reporters in a Monday press conference Erin is believed to have died from suffocation or asphyxiation, although the exact cause of death is pending results from a medical examiner.
Wade said no gunshot wounds were found.
Wade said Erin’s sister was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
It's 'imprinted in my head': Jackson police chief observes small cages and small wire enclosures in killing, abduction of young LA girls
Wade also stated there was evidence of possible human trafficking at the location on Boozier Drive, including small animal cages.
“The city of Jackson, Louisiana, and the whole Gulf South region is a better place because those two are behind bars. The threat to those two beautiful children is a threat to all children,” Wade said. “It is very hurtful as a father and a police chief to see that done to those children."
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Man accused of killing, abduction of young LA girls extradited
