A federal judge in New Orleans has ruled that Daniel Callihan is competent to stand trial in connection with a murder-kidnapping that stunned the northshore and Tangipahoa Parish last summer.

But as Callihan awaits a July trial date on the charges he faces in federal court, the district attorney for Tangipahoa Parish says he still hopes Callihan can be tried there first.

"Not only would I rather it, I feel strongly it should be," 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said this week in an interview. "It’s a state crime. The victim is from here. The family is from here."

Callihan is accused of killing 35-year-old Callie Brunett and her 4-year-old daughter, who he allegedly kidnapped along with her 6-year-old sister. The older daughter survived and was found near Jackson, Miss

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