Authorities in Mississippi made a disturbing discovery involving a 4-year-old girl found dead and her 6-year-old sister rescued from a scene that may be linked to human trafficking. The tragic incident occurred in Jackson.
The incident unfolded following the murder of the girls’ mother, 35-year-old Callie Burnett, who was found dead 130 miles away in southern Louisiana the day before.
The main suspect in the case is Burnett’s boyfriend, Daniel Callihan, as reported by WDSU.
The younger sister, Erin, was found deceased a few yards away from where her 6-year-old sister, Jalie, was discovered alive inside a car in a wooded area in Jackson. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office provided details, according to WVUE.
Joseph Wade from the Jackson Police Department addressed the media, mentioning the potential connection to human trafficking due to the disturbing scene with small animal cages.
Jalie was taken to a hospital for minor injuries, while investigators are working to determine the cause of Erin’s death.
Law enforcement officials expressed their shock and sadness at the situation, with Wade stating, “A coward took this child from her family.”
Callahan led authorities to the girls after being approached by a concerned bystander for acting suspiciously.
Before the discovery in Mississippi, Burnett, the girls’ mother, was found murdered in her home in Loranger, Louisiana. The children were reported missing by their father, and an Amber Alert was issued.
The Louisiana State Police confirmed that the kids were abducted before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, triggering the Amber Alert due to a domestic violence incident resulting in Burnett’s death.
Authorities have not yet been able to interview Callahan, and investigations are ongoing.
Further details are pending as authorities continue to work on the case.
