LORANGER, LA – A man accused of killing a mother and her young daughter in a brutal string of crimes that began in Louisiana and crossed into Mississippi has pleaded guilty to federal charges and will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Daniel Callihan, 37, entered guilty pleas Wednesday to charges that included kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor with the intent of sexual exploitation. The admissions follow an investigation that began in mid-June after Callie Brunett, 35, was found stabbed to death in her mobile home in Loranger, about 60 miles north of New Orleans.

Brunett’s two daughters, ages 4 and 6, were missing when authorities discovered the mother’s body, sparking a multi-state search. According to investigators, Callihan had previously been in a relationship with Brunett. On June 12, he entered her home, killed her, and abducted both children using her vehicle.

Callihan then drove with the girls to pick up Victoria Cox, his girlfriend and accused accomplice, before crossing into Mississippi. Authorities say the trio ended up at a residence on Boozier Drive in Jackson, Mississippi.

Federal prosecutors allege that while at the Jackson home, Callihan and Cox sexually assaulted the 6-year-old girl. Callihan then suffocated the 4-year-old, Erin Brunett, according to official statements. He was later arrested in Mississippi, where he apparently confessed to the crimes.

A day after his arrest, authorities used information from Callihan to recover Erin’s body in a wooded area near the Jackson residence. The older daughter was found alive close by and was hospitalized for treatment.

Law enforcement officials noted disturbing elements at the Mississippi scene, including animal cages that raised concerns of possible human trafficking activity. The presence of such evidence alarmed both local police and child welfare authorities.

As part of Callihan’s plea agreement, prosecutors will not pursue the death penalty against Callihan. Callihan now faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for the kidnapping resulting in death charge, and potentially 10 years to life for the second federal count. Fines could reach up to $500,000.

Victoria Cox, meanwhile, has been charged with capital murder in Mississippi. If convicted, she could face the death penalty.

Callihan is scheduled for formal sentencing on November 19. Until then, he will remain in federal custody awaiting the court’s final ruling.