Louisiana – A Louisiana man, 37-year-old DanieI CaIIihan, has pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resuIting in death and one count of transporting a minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in criminal se-ual activity, Louisiana authorities announced. He faces a mandatory life sentence on the first count and then years to life on the second count. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov.
The investigation process began in June last year when the defendant fataIIy stabed 35-year-old CaIIie in her Louisiana, mobile home. The victim‘s two children, aged 4 and 6, were reported missing shortly after the murder.
The defendant then abducted the children, taking them in the victim’s vehicle and driving them to Mississippi, where he and his girIfriend, Viktoria, engaged in se-ual battery with the 6-year-old. The 4-year-old, Ery, was later found dead in a rural area; she had been suffocated. Her sister was discovered alive and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Prosecutors stated that the defendant killed the woman and abducted both children in her vehicle. He then picked up an accomplice and drove across state lines to a residence in Mississippi. The defendant and the woman had previously been in a relationship.
Authorities said both defendant sex-ally assaulted the victim’s older chiId, and the defendant deliberately suffocated the 4-year-old by holding her tightly against his chest. After his arrest, he confessed to the murders and the se-ual abuse of the older child. The surviving child was found nearby and was taken to a hospital for care. Officials noted the crime scene contained small cages, raising suspicions of possible human trafficking.
Following his arrest, the defendant spoke briefly to reporters while in handcuffs and a yellow jail jumpsuit. He offered no explanation for his actions but said he had been sober, only on and off Lexapro, and diagnosed with borderline multiple personality disorder. He requested execution by lethal injection.
Following his arrest, the defendant admitted to the crimes in a video interview with a local news station, stating he “unfortunately” killed the child. He was charged federally and has remained in custody since. In addition to the federal charges, the defendant faces state murder charges in both Louisiana and Mississippi. He is expected to serve any state sentences before beginning his federal term.
The investigation into the case involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Sheriff’s Office, the local police department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Their coordinated efforts led to the swift apprehension of the defnedant and the recovery of the victims. Acting U.S. Attorney MichaeI commended the agencies for their dedication and collaboration in bringing the defendant to justice.