New Orleans, LA — A Louisiana man accused in a disturbing case of murder and child abduction has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial, a federal judge confirmed Thursday.
David Wayne Callihan, 37, is accused of killing a woman in Loranger, Louisiana, last June before kidnapping her two young daughters.
Authorities allege he then transported the children across state lines to Mississippi, where one of the girls — just 4 years old — was later found dead in the woods. Her 6-year-old sister survived and was treated at a hospital.
At a hearing held at the U.S. District Courthouse in New Orleans, the court ruled that Callihan is mentally fit to face federal charges, according to WLBT News.
The decision followed a second psychiatric evaluation after a previous hearing in February left the question of competency unresolved. Callihan is reportedly being treated with medication while in custody.
He currently faces two federal charges in Louisiana and seven additional charges in Mississippi, including murder, kidnapping, and transporting minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He has pleaded not guilty and remains held at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.
Second Defendant Also Facing Trial
A second person involved in the case, Victoria Cox, also faces serious charges including capital murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery. She has likewise pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial on December 8 in Hinds County, Mississippi.
Authorities have not released further details on how Cox is allegedly connected to the crimes, but prosecutors in both states are continuing to coordinate their efforts as the case progresses.
The next court proceedings for Callihan are expected later this year.