It was not the ending everyone was hoping for. Thursday night, Calgary police said they were sad to say they’d found the body of five-year-old Taliyah Leigh Marsman, the subject of an Alberta-wide Amber Alert since Tuesday.
Edward Delten Downey, 46, has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of the little girl and her mother, Sara Baillie.
“The family is devastated, clearly… clearly,” Insp. Don Coleman with CPS said Thursday night.
READ MORE: Amber Alert for Taliyah Marsman ends, Edward Downey charged with first-degree murder
In a statement, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said:
“Our hearts are broken at the tragic end of the search for little Taliyah.
“I know everyone prayed that she be found and returned to her family, to grow up as happy as she appeared in the photographs provided through the media.
“This is a devastating loss to Taliyah’s father, grandparents and family, compounded by the loss of her mother, Sara Baillie. Albertans offer our deepest condolences during this time and we grieve with you for the loss of these precious lives,” Notley said.
READ MORE: Who is Edward Downey? Man charged with first degree murder in Taliyah Marsman’s death
“Our deepest gratitude and thanks go to the dedicated women and men of the Calgary Police Service, to everyone who heeded the Amber Alert and spread the word through social media and to all those who joined in the search for Taliyah.”
Speaking in Calgary Friday, Notley again reiterated Albertans’ support for the family.
“I would like those family and friends to know that thoughts and prayers for you are deep in the hearts of all Albertans.
“In the face of such senseless and tragic loss, we reach out with love and with a desire to help each other, and with faith in the spirit of our community.”
WATCH: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls murder of Calgary 5-year-old ‘devastating’
The prime minister was on his way to Alberta Friday and expressed his sympathies.
“On behalf of all Canadians I want to express our condolences to the families of the people of Calgary, for the devastating loss of Taliyah and her mom Sara,” Trudeau said Friday.
“I know there were a lot of hearts broken when the news came out and there were so many volunteers and police services involved in trying to help a terrible situation.”
“We all need to take a moment to send our love and hearts out to Taliyah and Sara’s family,” the prime minister said.
When Calgary’s mayor heard the sad news Thursday night, he sent a simple message on Twitter.
“It’s been a terrible situation here in our community,” Nenshi said Friday. “Our hearts are broken for Taliyah and her mom Sara.”
“The reason that we feel the pain of Taliyah and Sara’s loss so deeply is because we understand that we are neighbours. We live together in this community. We are in fact, in it together,” Nenshi said. “I want to encourage all Calgarians to put their arms around that family and those friends, but really around our entire community.
“This is a deep hurt to our community, but it is a hurt that we will be able to get through together.”
Wildrose leader Brian Jean said he was “devastated by the senseless murder… There’s no greater pain than losing a child. Praying for her family and loved ones.”
Liberal leader David Swann admitted “in times like these, words are never enough…I cannot imagine the extent of their families’ pain. My thoughts and prayers are with them as, I know, are all Albertans’.”
“Wwe are reminded that, in the face of tragedy, near or far, it is our compassion and our understanding that brings healing.”
Football player, Calgary Stampeder Nik Lewis, shared his grief.
Calgary-based musician Jann Arden also wrote about her sadness and frustration at the outcome of the Amber Alert.
Country music star Aaron Pritchett touched on two tragedies that came to light Thursday in his message.
“At this point Mr. Downey is our only suspect,” Coleman said. “I can’t speak to any motive. That’s something that we still have to figure out.”
Investigators believe Marsman was dead by the time police were called.
READ MORE: Interview with father of missing Taliyah Marsman
“I can tell you that the timeline of events through the investigation would suggest that both events occurred prior to police involvement on Monday.”
“There was nothing we could do before we even got involved.”
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Charges laid in death of Taliyah Marsman and mother -
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Former cop explains next steps in Taliyah Marsman investigation -
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Body of Taliyah Marsman found, Edward Downey charged with first degree murder -
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Calgary police update media after body believed to be Taliyah Marsman found -
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Calgary police believe they have found body of Taliyah Marsman -
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Suspect in murder of Sara Baillie and disappearance of Taliyah Marsman taken into custody
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