Family members of Taliyah Marsman and Sara Baillie are opening up about the tragic loss they're feeling since learning the mother and daughter were murdered.
“We all are feeling the most profound grief and sadness that stems from the inconceivable and senseless murders of both Sara Baillie and Taliyah Marsman, Sara’s daughter,” the official statement on behalf of the Baillie, Fredette and Hamilton families read.
On Thursday evening, Calgary Police Service confirmed that they found a body believed to be of 5-year-old Taliyah Marsman. An amber alert was issued on Tuesday for Taliyah when her mother was found dead inside their family home on Monday night.
Throughout the week, hopes were high that Tayliah would be found alive. After searching a rural property east of Chestermere on Thursday, police found a young girl's body.
Edward Downey, a 46-year-old man, known to be an acquaintance of both Baillie and Marsman, was arrested on Wednesday.
According to police, Downey was taken into custody as he was believed to have been driving a dark grey sedan in the neighbourhood where Marsman was abducted and her mother killed. Officers said the car was seen close to where Baillie's car was recovered.
Downey has been officially charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Baillie and Marsman.
The family members thanked Calgary police officers for their work in trying to find Marsman.
“Accordingly, the families would like to extend their gratitude to the Calgary Police Service (CPS), who have devoted countless resources of hours, dedicated men and women and technology. Although our hopes and prayers may not have been answered, we certainly in no way, shape, or form blame the CPS.”
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