1 child dead, 1 alive after Amber Alert suspect arrested

Cameron Smith and Kaitlin Howell

5 hours ago

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A search for two Louisiana girls, believed to have been abducted after their mother was murdered, ended tragically in Mississippi.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said the suspect at the center of an Amber Alert, Daniel Callihan, was captured in Jackson after a chase.

According to Wade, 4-year-old Erin Brunett was found dead in a wooded area. Her sister, Jalie Brunett, 6, was found alive and taken to Jackson Hospital for treatment.

Wade said he did not believe Callihan was the girls’ father, but did not elaborate.

The police chief said there was evidence possibly associated with human trafficking at the location where Callihan was found, including small animal cages. Wade said Jackson police contacted human trafficking investigators to assess the scene.

Authorities said an Amber Alert was issued Thursday for the two girls, who were abducted after their mother was killed in Loranger, Louisiana.

Authorities in Mississippi have captured a man at the center of an Amber Alert in Louisiana. (WJTV)
Authorities in Mississippi have captured a man at the center of an Amber Alert in Louisiana. (WJTV)
Jalie, 6, and Erin Brunett, 4 (Courtesy of Louisiana State Police)

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said Callie Brunett, 35, was found dead by her father on the floor of her bedroom inside her locked mobile home. His disappearance had been reported by his parents 24 hours earlier. They last spoke to him Tuesday morning.