The Haunting Final Photograph Of A Teenage Girl Taken By Her Killer

Born on December 29th 1996, Jolee Nicole Callan grew up leading what seemed like a typical all-American life. In high school, she was well-liked and widely recognised, standing at a petite 4 feet 10 inches.

Her vibrant, ever-changing hair—often dyed shades of pink or purple—became her signature look, setting her apart and reflecting her bold personality.

In 2014, Jolee was a senior at Vincent High School, where she first met Loren Daniel Bunner—the boy who would soon become her boyfriend. What began as a simple connection quickly grew into a relationship that lasted ten months, marking a significant chapter in her life.

Their relationship was far from perfect, and it didn’t take long for those closest to Jolee to notice the red flags. Loren was possessive and deeply insecure, demanding that Jolee devote her time and energy exclusively to him and his friends—leaving little room for anyone else in her life.

As the relationship progressed, Loren’s behaviour became increasingly manipulative and controlling. Whenever Jolee tried to leave, he would resort to dramatic measures to pull her back in—at one point even threatening to take his own life.

Unwilling to carry the weight of that possibility, Jolee chose to stay, hoping things might improve. After all, Loren had promised he would change.

By 2015, after graduating at 18, Jolee had finally reached her breaking point and ended the relationship for good. With college on the horizon, she wanted to focus on her future—spending time with friends and embracing the opportunities ahead.

Despite Loren’s repeated pleas and emotional appeals, Jolee stood firm in her decision. He struggled to accept the breakup, and it took weeks before he began to realise that his usual tactics no longer had any hold over her—this time, she was truly done.

Once it seemed Loren had finally accepted the breakup, he reached out to Jolee with a new request—he wanted them to stay on good terms, at least as friends. With no lingering resentment, Jolee was open to the idea of maintaining a cordial, non-romantic relationship.

After all, they shared a dog named Kiba. Since Kiba lived with Loren, it was important to Jolee that she could still visit and remain a part of her life.

Two months after the breakup, on August 30th 2015, Jolee received a text from Loren asking if she’d like to join him and Kiba for a hike. Although she had since begun a new relationship, she agreed to go, later assuring a friend that it was simply a “symbol of friendship” between her and her ex.

That afternoon, Jolee met Loren, and the two set out with Kiba in his car, heading toward the Pinhoti Trail in Cheaha State Park—a remote, rugged landscape stretching for over 350 miles, far removed from the familiarity of everyday life.

During the drive, Loren took the opportunity to post a series of photos of Jolee to his Instagram page. The first image showed her sitting in the passenger seat of his car, their dog resting comfortably in her lap. The caption read:

This was followed by a second photograph of Jolee walking Kiba.

The final two photos Loren uploaded to his Instagram captured Jolee at the mountain’s summit, overlooking the sweeping, picturesque landscape below. In the first, she stands with Kiba in her arms, gazing out into the distance—seemingly calm, taking in the view.

In the second image, Jolee stands alone at the mountain’s edge, her back turned as she focuses on taking a photo with her phone. Unaware of what was behind her, she couldn’t have imagined how the next few moments would alter her fate forever.

Unknown to Jolee, was that Loren's 'nice guy' act was fake and deep inside, a jealous rage had been brewing. He was not over her and if he couldn't have her, he would make sure that nobody else would either.

Mere moments after uploading this final image, Loren Daniel Bunner killed his ex-girlfriend, Jolee.

Taking out a 22. calibre gun, he shot his unsuspecting ex-girlfriend twice in the head before throwing her body off of the 50-foot cliff and onto the sharp jagged rocks below.

After leaving the state park, Loren called 911. In a calm tone, he told the operator that he had killed Jolee as part of a suicide pact; but had backed out after he murdered her. A lie that would soon unravel.

Loren waited by the side of the road for police to arrive. He was coated in Jolee's blood and was quickly arrested and charged with her murder.

When Jolee's body was recovered, it was found that she had been shot twice - in the back of the head and between the eyes.

On September 4th, Jolee’s funeral was held, and she was laid to rest at Vincent Cemetery. Just weeks later, Loren posted bail and was released from the Clay County Jail, a decision that shocked and horrified all who loved her.

When the murder trial began in November 2015, Loren maintained his not guilty plea, claiming that Jolee’s death had been the result of a suicide pact gone wrong rather than murder.

Jolee’s family and friends countered this narrative, insisting she had been full of hope for the future and showed no signs of depression. They argued that Loren had killed her in cold blood after she refused to rekindle their romantic relationship, and that his jealousy over her new relationship had only intensified his rage.

In court, Loren’s lawyers argued that he had Asperger’s disorder, suggesting that his struggles with autism impaired his ability to be fully responsible for his actions. They also pointed to Alabama law, which allows offenders under the age of 21 to be considered for youthful offender status.

At 20 years old, Loren qualified, meaning that if approved, he would not be tried as an adult and could face a maximum sentence of just three years, regardless of the severity of his crime.

Tragically, the court granted him this status.

Jolee’s family refused to give up their fight for justice. They launched a petition that quickly gained momentum, bolstered by coverage in the local press. By December of that same year, their efforts paid off: Loren’s youthful offender status was revoked, and the case was returned to court.

Meanwhile, around 100 people gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour Jolee and show their support for her family. Attendees wore purple shirts—Jolee’s favourite colour—lit candles, and shared memories, celebrating her life and the joy she had brought to those around her.

On July 13th 2017, Loren changed his plea, finally admitting guilt in the murder of Jolee Callan. His attorneys appealed for leniency, citing his mental health struggles, but the judge remained unmoved—particularly after testimony from fellow inmates who revealed that Loren had boasted about the killing.

Charged as an adult, Loren was sentenced to 52 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 15 years. Michael Callan, Jolee’s father, felt a measure of justice had finally been served. Following the sentencing, he remarked: